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

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.

Undefeatable Attitude

During the “Christmas in July” celebration of the Today Show in N.Y. on July 26, 2005, Katelyn Wilbanks, from Catoosa, OK was awarded a full scholarship from OU, the University of Oklahoma. This award will allow her to graduate and fulfill her dream of studying to become a physician and help other children.

This teenager has a dream that no one can take away from her. Katelyn was born with Spina-bifida, a deformity of the spine causing her mayor health problems and physical impairments; her prognosis was totally negative. But the love of her family members and her own will to survive, proved the medical community wrong, empowered her and gave her the tenacity to overcome each and every obstacle in her life. She’s endured 54 surgeries so far and lost her left leg, yet, her attitude remains positive and her smile is contagious. David L. Boren, president of the university, handed the award which covers four years of room, board, tuition, books, etc. Katelyn is currently a sophomore at her hometown’s high school,and meanwhile, the university also arranged to have Katelyn tutored from now on, so she’ll be ready to enter the University when time is due.

One can only admire and marvel at such a young life and her accomplishments so far. It is a powerful testimony to many who succumb under the tiniest amount of pressure and adversity. So much endured, yet so positive and determined to beat the odds and be of help to others!

Are you facing struggles and hardships? Are you down and ready to give up? Or are you counting your blessings amidst your trials and looking for ways to beat the odds, and better yet, make a difference in someone’s life?

Success in life is not determined by the lack of struggles and setbacks. It is determined by our will to overcome and by our positive attitude. No wonder Solomon, the wise man, said: “Being cheerful keeps you healthy. It is slow death to be gloomy all the time” (Proverbs 17:22-Good News). This has proved to be true in Katelyn’s life.

Next time you feel tempted to feel sorry for yourself, remember… success is determined by our attitude, not our circumstances. Why not cheer up and dare to make a difference in someone’s life? It will certainly make a difference in your life as well.
©Rhodi Alers de López, 2005-07-26

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

"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

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

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

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