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

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

The empty nest

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven… So I realized that all we can do is be happy and do the best we can while we are still alive. We should eat and drink and enjoy what we have worked for. It is God’s gift”. Ecclesiastes 3:1, 12-13.

It seems only yesterday I was changing diapers. I remember the toddler years, the first day of school, the report cards, the walks in the park, the games… Life goes by so fast! Now, the teenage years are here and sooner or later, the kids will move on. In a short time, they will spread their wings and fly away.

Some kids are more anxious than others for that moment to arrive. In other instances, parents may be vehemently wishing for that day. Whether kids and/or parents look forward to that day or not, we must face it: a season has passed, another begun; and with it come unavoidable changes.

While the father is also affected, changes usually have a more intense effect in the mother, as the primary caregiver. Suddenly, she faces an empty nest, and what now is her reality sinks in: There is no one to care for, no one to look after for, and no one to need her. Sooner or later the question hits hard: What am I here for? What am I supposed to do?

Depending on my overall attitude toward life, I can look at the glass and find it half empty or half full. I can choose to get nostalgic, depressed, and lonely or I can look at this situation in a positive way, “throw a party” and make the best of my days.

As hard as it is for me to see them go, there is a “season for everything”. I must not stop living! An empty nest doesn’t need to be the end of my motivation. It can fuel and fire me up and help me reach new heights left unexplored. For couples, it can be a time of renewal, a time to grow closer to each other, a time to “fall in love” all over again.

I believe at this stage mothers need to take more time for ourselves and pursue our own goals too. Yes! We too need to fly again, why not? With all the expertise that raising and caring for a family puts under our belts, we have much to offer. Why not use it positively, to help others in some way? That alone, will take our mind off the loneliness that may be lurking around to cloud our days.

I'm sure my kids would love to see me succeed in whatever I decide to invest my energy in. Why not reach for the stars and dare to live some more? Why not learn some new skills, pursue my own dreams (whatever they may be), and share the love inside me with others around me? Why not surround myself with friends and reach out to make a difference in someone’s life?

I have the power to choose. My glass is not half empty, but half full. I can fill it with productivity or I can fill it with grief.

The empty nest is just a part of the cycle of life. And a mother will always be a mother. Thou for some it may be easier than for others; we can plan ahead and strive to continue to live a positive and meaningful life that inspires others and our own kids too!

Are you preparing for the empty nest? Are you experiencing it already? Each day is a new challenge, a gift from God. Greet it with thanksgiving! Make the best of it and fly! See the beauty of it all? Now, that wasn’t so bad after all, was it? Wondering why it took you so long to spread YOUR wings and fly?

Dear heavenly father: I know you care for my children, no matter what the season may be. Each season has a beauty of its own. I am thankful for the time you have given me to nurture my family. As they spread their wings and fly I know that you will keep them safe. Help them reach new heights that bring them closer to you. And may I too soar, for the glory of your name.

©Rhodi Alers de López, 2004