Blessed, Balanced & Complete

The book, the author

This month we are featuring a book written by our friend Heriberto “Hery” Alonso.

Hery is no stranger to our readers as he wrote a very popular article for our precious single sisters titled “A Godly Single Man’s Perspective in Finding His Future Wife.”

Well, Hery finally decided to “step out of the boat” and write his first book:

Blessed, Balanced & Complete. I have not really had a chance to read much of it yet, but…something tells me there will be more. I recently had the chance to sit with Hery and catch up a bit. I hope you enjoy this IWM “exclusive” one-on-one interview, especially for you!

MN: Hery, what inspired you to write this book?

HA: I love helping people and about 3-4yrs ago some of these people would tell me…”Hery, you should consider writing a book.” At first, I didn’t take them seriously, but the more I was told…it began to sink in my head. I began believing more in myself. Then one day the thought was conceived in my mind that I could actually put this together. I mustard up some courage & boldness to somehow someway put it together. The longer I would get involved in the how’s & do’s the more confident I became and I realized this could actually be a dynamic book. Every time I sat in front of my laptop, I prayed and asked God to allow the Holy Spirit to lead me.

MN: Blessed, Balanced & Complete sounds like the perfect state for anyone to be in. What would you say to those that may think this claim is a bit pretentious, especially in this high-pressured society we live in?

HA: Thoughts are things! How a man thinks of himself he becomes and all things are possible with God. Why not? Why do humans have to put limits on themselves and make excuses that they can’t but others can? With God deeply rooted in your heart the high-pressured world can be slower if His peace dwells in us. I make it a point to pray early in the morning seeking His presence. When I do, my day is victorious. When I don’t, my day is hectic. That’s just how it works for me. I have to be connected like a cell phone to its charger daily, or else it’s ineffective after a while. If you try to abide by the principles of this book without this “prayer connection” and trying to live a balanced life in your own strength or discipline, without the POWER source…you are headed for trouble.

MN: In your experiences talking with others, what would you say is the biggest challenge or common denominator, people face to seek that “balance” we all need?

HA: They are doing things lead by their own power rather than the power source. They think they are invincible. However, I know that without abiding in HIM – we are NOTHING! People refuse to surrender their burdens to Him. They carry them and we don’t need to because He wants to take that load off us. He wants you us to live a peaceful, joyful live in abundance and victorious; lacking in NOTHING! I may be gullible or naïve or I just may have child-like faith, because I accept it all! I want it all and I believe I can have it all through Christ who strengthens me.

MN: What do you think is the main reason so many people feel unfulfilled or incomplete in today’s world?

HA: Most people are drinking from the wrong fountain. Their priorities are not in order and therefore their world is out of order and they end up feeling unfulfilled. Nobody can experience genuine peace without a connection with their Creator, via a relationship through Jesus Christ. Feeding your needs and desires with the things that refresh the soul and body and not the Spirit, will leave you living an unfulfilled life. It takes “work” to maintain a fulfilled, balanced and complete life. People are complacent for the most part and choose not to grow or work at it. Then later on they’re hurting because they never took the time to learn what’s “truly” important to be fulfilled and complete in life.

MN: I feel that many people who do have a relationship with Jesus Christ and, are church-going people also feel a sense of void or emptiness in their lives. Do you agree? And what is your take on that?

HA: Yes I agree! It rains and shines on the righteous and the unrighteous. The pursuit of peace takes work and is not automatically given just because you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior. It’s a gift of the Spirit, but you have to take it. You have to pursuit it, because like a vapor…it can disappear if you choose not to connect daily, with your source of Power (God). Again, like a cell phone needing to be charged up. The devil is out there trying to steal our joy and cause havoc in our lives. We can’t just sit idle and expect victory. We have to pray, read the word or books that feed the Spirit in your local Christian bookstore, like mine which is loaded with scripture verses. We also have to associate or congregate with those that share our beliefs and convictions, as iron sharpens iron. It’s work and although humans are creatures of comfort, we must never be so casual as to take our salvation lightly without working at it. Working at it helps us to keep our peace & joy in tact, which gives us strength to fight the enemy and his fiery darts.

MN: Hery, how can this book be a tool for many of us women that are constantly being challenged by juggling family, careers, ministry, health and fitness, etc.?

HA: Juggling many things requires focus, boldness by saying NO to things that are not aligned to our priorities, and time alone to pray and stay connected. Jesus took time away from His disciples to connect in prayer with the Father. This time alone allowed Him to come back with power and strength to tackle the Pharisees, the sick, the demon-possessed, etc. In our modern world, it’s negative people, time constraints and other challenges that arise in this pressure-cooker world. It takes work and work in this case means prayer, making right decisions, focus and lots of courage.

MN: Will you give our IWM readers a nugget or two, of your godly counsel?

HA: Well, Chapter-12 is dynamic for the single ladies because it deals with my perspective as a single godly man and what I desire in a woman. It’s not the same thing any guy down the street or a worldly man may desire. This will help you narrow your choices or at least know who not to date and stand your ground by doing what is right. It’s not always easy. In fact, it’s not easy at all. However, Jesus knows your heart and how much you love Him so don’t beat yourself up if you fail. This chapter helps women understand us better as we are not just different by gender, but also because we are “wired” another way, thus are personal and emotional needs our different, as well. Ignorance can cause pain if we don’t seek wisdom and /knowledge.

The best advice I can give to Christians is: “Don’t ever get tired of doing what is right”. We grow weary and at times may be vulnerable because things are just not happening fast enough compared to our expectations. Well, you need to make a choice to be happy by yourself until God blesses you in His timing with whatever your sweet heart desires. Again, it’s a choice! When you surrender this “desire” to Him and become happy with your self without any expectations…God shows up. Don’t ask me how…it just happens. Believe it and apply it in your life. Why live with such a burden on yourself. Live simply, powerfully and trusting in Him. Don’t expect so much and stop worrying about it. Choose to leave it at the cross and let Him take care of what you can’t control anyhow.

MN: Finally, how can our readers attain a copy of Blessed, Balanced & Complete?

HN: Here is the link to the book for IWM readers to order: http://www.xulonpress.com/book_detail.php?id=6384 it is also available in all Christian Bookstores, as well as Barnes & Nobles, Target, Amazon and Wal-Mart.

To contact the author, please write to:

Email: WarriorAlonso@yahoo.com

Website: www.AlonsoMinistries.com

*Please include your testimony or how this book helped you when you write him. Your prayer requests are welcome.

Thank you so much & God Bless You!

You Can Begin Again

Happy New Year! It’s an opportunity for a fresh start or a new beginning. This month our articles remind us that time is precious and each day is a gift. It’s time to re-evaluate where we stand so that we could focus on where we are going. Whether it is to get physically fit, go back to school, or just allow more time for you, you can begin again. Each year we are afforded an opportunity to renew our hope and live a more fulfilled life. Read more

The Journey…Inspired to Learn

by Kathy Krebs

I sat frozen behind the steering of my van, the morning I left home to take college placement exams. My husband stood at the window smiling and mouthing the words good luck. Looking back on that morning, I believe it took a heap of faith to get me out of the driveway. My angel had to give me a hard nudge to break through a fear of the unknown. Read more

LA VERGUENZA DE TU PASADO

¿Te sientes culpable por lo que sufriste en tu pasado? Quizás te hicieron daño, abusaron de ti verbal o físicamente y aun sientes que pudiste haberlo evitado. Tus padres te culparon desde el principio y sientes vergüenza porque no has superado aquello que te hicieron y te sientes indigna o manchada. Read more

Let’s Talk Beauty

Welcome Ladies! You’ve got questions, and I’ve got answers so Let’s Talk Beauty!

Q. Hi, I’d like to know what is the proper way to apply moisturizer; should it go on before or after your concealer?

A. Your moisturizer is going to be applied during your cleansing process. You want to first use your facial cleanser to remove all of the dirt and oils from your skin. Next you want to apply toner to restore your skin to its proper ph balance. Finally, at this point you are going to apply your moisturizer. This is the preliminary process before you start you makeup application. Read more

Godly Fitness – Where does it begin?

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2). Read more

Prayer Focus: Fasting and Praying for New Year

1 TIMOTHY 2:1-2 “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” Read more

Winning Combination

For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit.

1Thessalonians 1:5, 6 Read more

Chicken Tortilla Soup

This soup is quick to make and very flavorful! Serve with warm corn bread or tortillas.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 (10.5 ounce) can condensed chicken broth
• 2 1/4 cups water (add more water if you desire less consistency)
• 2 cup whole corn kernels, cooked
• 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chile peppers
• 1 (15 ounce) can black or pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 boneless chicken breast halves, cooked and shredded
• crushed tortilla chips
• sliced avocado
• shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• chopped green onions
• 1/2 lime

DIRECTIONS

1. Boil the chicken breasts, let cool then shred with two forks.
2. In a medium stock pot, heat oil over medium heat. Saute onion and garlic in oil until soft. Stir in chili powder, oregano, tomatoes, broth, and water. Bring to a boil, and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.
3. Stir in corn, chiles, beans, cilantro, and chicken, and squeezed lime juice. Simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Ladle soup into individual serving bowls, and top with crushed tortilla chips, avocado slices, cheese, and chopped green onion.

Time is a Gift

My name is Alyssa Carmona, although I’m sure you already know that from my previous articles. But, here is a little more information about me. I’m sixteen and an upper-classmen in high school. Like many other teens, I find school to be an extreme pain. I wake up every morning to practice the same old routine, attend the same classes, and see the same old faces.

Every day I do this with the same mind set, “let’s just get this over with.” I have always felt as though time is against me. I have never been one to find comfort in the here and now, but rather in the uncertainty of the future.

I’m never satisfied with the timing in my life. When I was younger, I wanted to be the age I am now, and now that I am sixteen I want to be older. I find that I convince myself that if I were just older or if I had better opportunities, I would be happier and able to do more and make a big difference. But what I find the most interesting is that I am not alone in this.

Many people fall into this same mind set and the worst part is that it holds us back without us realizing it. The fact is each age each stage holds its own significance. While I spend day in and day out hoping to become older, how many people are wishing they had their youth back?

The funny thing about time is that it all comes full circle and it isn’t something to be rushing, rather something to be appreciating. I have found that every area of life has its struggles and each part of it whether it is going to a school we hate, or going to a job we despise. Each day is sealed with purpose and significance. We shouldn’t overlook it nor despise it, but rather embrace it and appreciate it for what it is, nothing less than an amazing gift from God.

Though this article may not seem to have a moral value or mean much to some any, it means something to me and hopefully to those whom live life routinely and lose sight of the importance and purpose of each beautiful waking minute.

May this just remind us to thank God for our youth, health, wisdom, life and for this very minute.

Happy New Year!