Showing results by author "Janice Alonso" in All Categories

We traditionally set aside Valentine’s Day as the time to express our love for others. Christmas is the time when God’s expressed His love for us by extending His most precious gift. Based on a personal experience and 1 John 4:8: “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”

Have you ever been so pumped, so prepared, or so ready for the big day only to find yourself wilting when the moment finally arrives? Then you’ll appreciate this five-year-old angel’s distress. Based on a personal experience and Luke 12:32: “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.”

My childhood vision of what the Christmas Angel looked like was limited in its scope because of my narrow experiences. As I grew older and became more “worldly,” my perception changed. While her outward appearance may differ from individual to individual and culture to culture, her message does not. Based on a personal experience and Luke 2:9-10: “An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.’”

It is difficult to bear heavy burdens day in and day out. By focusing on serving others and attending to their needs for the glory of God, we find comfort and peace in our struggles. Based on a personal experience and 1 Peter 4:10: “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”

When we focus our thoughts, words, and actions on what is best for others, we have less time to dwell on ourselves and what we feel is best for us. The irony is that when we think of others, “we, ourselves” are the biggest beneficiaries. Based on a personal experience and Psalm 89:14: “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.”

Elf on a Shelf brings impish acts and often the expectation of daily presents. This story suggests a way to promote good behavior toward and giving to those around us. Based on a personal experience and Acts 20:35: “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35)

Knowing God’s ever-watchful eyes are observing us at all times can be discomforting. Knowing God’s ever-loving and forgiving heart is with us brings strength in times of uncertainty. Based on a personal experience and Romans 5:6-8: “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

I feel this is the best story to end 2021 and to begin 2022. No matter where you live, what your profession is, the age you may be, we have this in common: the last two years have left their indelible markings on us. While we may not be able to change some things, we can change what is in our hearts. Based on a personal experience and Ephesians 6:10 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.”

When we cast our eyes and thoughts on worldly issues, we are brought down. When we ponder heavenly concerns, our spirits are lifted. Based on a personal experience and Psalms 121:1: “I lift my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from?”

What a dilemma. We are Christians and strive to live by the standards set forth in the Bible. Yet, we are humans . . . created in a form that yields to temptation. We are not alone. God loves us. Jesus died for us. The Holy Spirit intercedes for us. Based on a personal experience and Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

We see ourselves with a narrow-angle lens and a shallow measuring stick. God sees so much more in us . . . Based on a personal experience and Matthew 17:20: Jesus replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

As Christians we study the Bible, go to church, and pray. While it is good to pray in general terms, it is also good to pray and serve specifically. Pray for the hungry – reach out to a family in your church community in need of food. Pray for the elderly – visit, write, or call those in nearby assisted living facilities. Pray for the sick – offer to help neighbors with tasks they are no longer able to do . . . Based on a personal experience and Romans 1:17: “For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed – a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is...

Getting places has become a lot easier with the invention of navigation systems at our fingertips. Not only has driving been made less confusing, but we can now use smart phones to guide us when we are on foot. The Bible provides us with its own navigation system . . . and it never needs to be upgraded . . . Based on a personal experience and Psalms 119:33: “Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end.”

Too often we go for an all or nothing attitude, and unfortunately, it’s the nothing we walk away with. Whether your mountain to climb is losing weight, learning to play an instrument, or tackling a mound of paperwork, seeing a task in small parts makes the job ahead look less daunting. Based on a personal experience and Proverbs 19:2: “It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way.”

Slowing down . . . many of us have certainly learned the meaning of these two simple words during Covid-19. The idea for this devotion came at a time in my life that was very hectic. Many look for God’s words in a loud and stern voice; often, it is the soft and small voice that is telling us what He wants. Based on a personal experience and 1 Kings 19:12: “And after the fire came a gentle whisper.”

Sometimes we’re just not ready to move on. We love our job. Our family relationships are running smoothly. The annual doctor’s appointment couldn’t have gone better. Then the day comes where changes have to be made and our stomach churns and our thoughts become fragments. Change is inevitable, but anxiety doesn’t have to be a part of that transformation. Based on a personal experience and Ecclesiastes 3:1: “There is a season for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”

Families have different ways to celebrate. Sometimes we celebrate agreement; just as often, we celebrate to agree to disagree. For over forty years, we have had a Family Beach Week. In 2020, due to Covid-19, it looked as though no one would be going anywhere. Based on a personal experience and 1 Peter 5:8-9: “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”

When my first grandchild was two and a half years old, she noticed Bert was not among her Sesame Street stuffed animals. Even though her favorite character, Elmo, was there, she was concerned for the missing Bert. Based on a personal experience and Luke 15:31-32: “You are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again: he was lost and is found.”

“They” have always been with us . . . “they” will always be with us. Who are “they?” The Bible tells us “they” are the least of these, and it is our responsibility to care for them. Based on a personal experience and Matthew 25:45: And Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth. Whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.”

I am blessed to have had many stories published, but there are still some of my pieces that don’t find a “home” the first time they are submitted. I edit and rewrite these pieces and send them out once more. Often they are accepted on a second try. Then, there are those stories that just don’t fit in anywhere . . . Based on a personal experience and Matthew 28:20: Jesus said, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”