LIFE IS ATTITUDE.. HEART.. PRAYER

Musings on a surprisingly sunny day! The storm threatening our shores must have passed. Did somebody say it's paying China a visit? Be safe, China.
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To quote... (oh you know already which book I'm quoting...)

LOOK TO THE GOOD
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"Look only to the good,. Look only to what you have, to what God has given you. Do not let your eyes come to rest upon any other thing but the blessings and peace of Christ. Do not fix your gaze upon the negatives, upon the past or the future. Remember, your life is hid with Me. By now you know that I can be trusted and that I have all your affairs in My hands. Not one thing escapes My attention."
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Unquote.
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But first..... I get this tiny suspicion that many of you do wonder why I often quote lines off the book 'Good Morning... God'. The answer to that is simple.
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I am a mere mortal running the course of my allotted life and time on this beautiful planet. Many things cross my path... some good... some bad. I cope with the best I can manage with the inherent skills God has wisely equipped us all with. Sometimes I win... sometimes lose. When times get tough... or when I forget who I am... or when utterly get lazy - crazy - bored - sad - lonely - scared - confused - unbelieving - suspicious - furious... or when simply at a crossroad ----
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The need there is to energize.. recharge.. renew.. reconnect.. reboot my soul. What better way to do that but with the Source. Prayer does a great thing.. and supporting that is a tiny (and perhaps trivial to some) humble book waiting beside my bed. It encapsulates or sums up simply and beautifully my thoughts on life which are humbly presented to God. In turn, God imparts His wisdom to me. He does that to anyone and everyone who stops to listen. Oh let's remember that God works through people, places, events, and things. That's the way He operates.
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And... I sincerely hope you won't or don't mind when I share these treasures with you every now and then.
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Now back to the musings.......
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Positives and negatives... life is full of both. We have no problem with dealing with the lovely positives of life. In fact, we often wish life was only made up of those. Heavenly, right? - On the other side of life's coin are the negatives. Oh brother! these can surely tear down everything you may have built! And you know what I mean.
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But only if you let it!
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So how do you do that? "Look only to the good"
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Yes, I agree it's not always easy. Life's troubles are such that they sure can prick you hard and hurt you harder. But that is when you are asked to fight your battles hard, too... and hardest! Look for the good in your life. It's there.. maybe under some cover... but it's there! Fight the bad with good. Turn the negative into positive. It all takes the right attitude to beat the odds and come out winning.
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Life is ATTITUDE... HEART... and PRAYER. Nope, it is not magic nor is it an instant formula to banish your cares and woes away. It's even better. Because it sure can give you the best chance at winning. And winning..... is God's design for our lives.
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Look to the good. There's plenty if you look hard enough.. or truly seek it with your heart and mind. Frankly, no other better way to live life.
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Blessings, everyone. God sprinkled plenty in your day.. your life.

PRAYER IS A PATH WHERE THERE IS NONE

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Have been reading a book this past few days. A book I have read a dozen times before. Why do I keep coming back to it? Because it IS good. Not only that but also because it is short, only 113 pages composed of 43 chapters... short chapters. I have an array of 'shorties', which I call them, lined up in my mini library. Long stories and thick books have no place in it except for an encyclopedia or a family album. Written in simple English .... (as a rule I shy away from long big complicated words; have always believed that there is always a simpler less complicated way to express yourself verbally or in writing) ..... so simple that if I gave this book to my seven-year-old nephew he would be able to read it in one sitting. Except of course when he needs someone to guide him through the wisdom parts of the book. --
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"JACOB THE BAKER -- General Wisdom For A Complicated World" Author Noah BenShea --- Here in the author's own words is a brief description: -------- "Jacob is a poor but pious baker who lives an anonymous life in a timeless world. While waiting for the ovens to rise to baking temperature in the morning he writes little notes to himself trying to make sense of life. Unknown to Jacob, one of his notes falls into the mixer and is baked into a loaf of bread. It is then sold to a woman, who comes upon the note, reads Jacob’s thought, is dumbstruck and rushes to the bakery to see who wrote it and where it came from.
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Soon word is out that there is a special person in the community who has been ignored, and now everyone near and far comes to see Jacob with their questions about life, prayer, love, family, growing older and…and…Without any sense of hubris, Jacob answers the growing line of visitors with his parables and stories. Even the children come after school and sit on the flour sacks to listen to Jacob."
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Unquote.
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I finished the book in just a few minutes (yes, that short and will pick it up again another time you bet) and went through every piece of wisdom like I was seeing it for the every first time. Wisdom never grows old; we do. And if you are wisdom's good student, it always seems new each time you meet it.
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Like this one on page 36 -- PRAYER IS A PATH WHERE THERE IS NONE
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Is there anyone out there who has not acquainted himself with prayer? No matter your color, race, or creed....... no matter how independent you believe yourself to be....... no matter your titles or string of degrees attached to your name........ whether male, female, young or old, rich or poor........ you have spoken a prayer sometime somewhere there in your life. Probably it was just a sigh, a tear, a whisper, or simply a thought of God when you suddenly find yourself in a place similar to this.....
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"What if neither my heart or mind can help me find a way?"
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And Jacob answered, "Prayer is a path where there is none."
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I end this post with that thought. And I pray that prayer leads you to the path or paths to your dreams... essentially to His Throne. God bless you. Have a pleasant weekend, friends! 

WHAT YOU FOCUS ON, EXPANDS

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Was cruising down my notes..... oh yeah plenty of them... squeezed between the pages of a book... resting at the bottom of my basket tray.... inside the pockets of my bag (alongside pen and notepad which goes with me anywhere I go).... or beside the telephone in the living room... etc. wherever you see paper with scribblings on it --- it could possibly definitely be mine.
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Why the penchant for notes? Why not!? Life presents so many opportunities or subjects for the writing. We can't simply pass up the chance to see the many details life provides us which can bring color, majesty, diversity, enchantment, enlightenment to our mundane lives. We could be missing it all if we don't or won't pay close attention. It may never come again.
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It's just like a composer of music ... his inspiration can come at the slightest object seen or experienced or encountered, insignificant or grand. He doesn't see things as other people see them..... he sees more and beyond the object. (Maybe we should be as that composer -- with eyes that truly 'see'.) Or maybe he sees with the eyes of his heart.
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Somebody once said....... 'What you focus on, expands.' That ..is the intent for the note-writing and, more often than not, is achieved. With a little nudge from above.
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Below was what I found. Two separate quotes but actually complement each other. Read and know why................
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1) 'Life is not lost by dying; life is lost minute by minute, day by dragging day,  in all the thousand small uncaring ways.' --- Stephen Vincent Benet
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2) LIFE IS A GIFT
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Today before you think of saying an unkind word–
........... think of someone who can’t speak.
Before you complain about the taste of your food–
........... think of someone who has nothing to eat.
Before you complain about your husband or wife–
........... think of someone who is crying out to God for a companion.
Today before you complain about life–
........... think of someone who went too early to heaven.
Before you complain about your children–
........... think of someone who desires children but they’re barren.
Before you argue about your dirty house, someone didn’t clean or sweep–
........... think of the people who are living in the streets.
Before whining about the distance you drive–
........... think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.
And when you are tired and complain about your job–
........... think of the unemployed, the disabled and those who wished they had your job.
But before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another–
........... remember that not one of us are without sin and we all answer to One maker.
And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down–
........... put a smile on your face and thank God you’re alive and still around.

Life is a gift – Live it, Enjoy it, Celebrate it, and Fulfill it.

~author unknown~
....and unquote.
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And while you're at it celebrating, say a prayer for every worthy cause and reason you may see, too. (That is worth more than all the gold in Fort Knox.) God will use your prayers for good far more than you ever realize. Pray unceasingly. Blessings to you and your dear ones.

THE THANKSGIVING ROOM

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There's a story that goes this way (It's a long one so I took the liberty to shorten it)....  in heaven there are many rooms and in every room dozens of angels can be seen going about a particular task assigned to that special room. All the rooms are buzzing in such a big frenzy as the angels take to their tasks ministering to every concern everyday.  There is always plenty to do in ...  the petition room, request room, complaint room, grief room, sad room, sick room, jobs room, deliverance room, divine intervention room... even one called the anger room.

Except ... for this one room where only one angel is seen working or seems to be as he appeared almost dozing off. Apparently already finished with that one task in his In-Tray. And nothing more is there to do. It was the same everyday with an almost empty tray and a sleepy angel.

Do you know what this room was or is called?

--- The Thanksgiving Room

Maybe... we don't understand what authentic 'Thank you' means. Maybe... we don't understand what a true 'blessing' means. Maybe... we take so many things for granted like life is there and it will be there tomorrow and the next and the next. Maybe... we are so busy with our lives that we don't stop awhile to see God's part in it. Maybe... we see God as a 'vending machine'.... just stick in the coin, press the button, and out comes the goodie.

Maybe... we don't understand God enough.

As we have expectations in our lives and in prayer.....  God has his expectations, too. Oh no his expectations does not make the world go round as we make of ours; it is HE who makes the world and the universe go round needing no help from us. But in His magnificent godly heart He still waits for his beloved children to say just a tiny simple .. 'Thank you, Father.' A typical father who loves His children this B-I-G!!! ... and so mightily pleased when His children remember Him.

Let's keep that little solitary room busy now, pack it to overflowing.... and have that solitary angel screaming frantically for reinforcements.

Thank you, God, that you nudged me to write this post. We needed to see this. I do!

Have a blessed week, friends! I thank God for your wonderful friendship.

THE NATURE OF PRAYERS AND SEEDS

Here for a bit but will leave you with this wonderful quote...  sent to me by my good friend Mr. Quote Man as usual. This  one I like very much.............. to quote

Prayers & Seeds are similar in nature.
Both have nothing Within,
but have the potential of creating Everything
-- (Unknown)

Unquote.

The seeds of every good action will bear fruit that's for sure. Sometimes long after when you can't be there to enjoy or relish full satisfaction and glory over a job well done for self or for others. Keep planting the seeds of good anyway. Nothing escapes the watchful eyes and heart of God.

Prayers definitely create that which you with your puny human strength cannot. Prayers bring into play great and greater possibilities and potential you never would have dreamed of in the least. Prayers awesomely make the Divine Power reachable to your feeble tiny human grasp and understanding. Blessed is the man or woman who prays.

Enjoy your vacation but squeeze-in time to remember the reason why we have the Holy Week. Blessings to you all. May the blessings of the Lenten Season be upon you and your loved ones.

(Thanks to Mr. Quote Man for the wonderful quote.)

A HUMBLE REQUEST FOR PRAYERS

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I now have lost a brother and his family lost a husband and father. He passed last December 01 after fighting a fierce battle with cancer at Cardinal Santos Hospital. May I humbly request my friends in the blog for prayers for the eternal repose of his soul.

Thank you. Blessings to you all.



 (Won't be around for a few days. Back soon.)
 

GOD PRAYER FAITH AND LIFE

Ultimately, answers to prayers are what God thinks is good for you. But there's a big question there: Will you like what God is going to give you? -- There's a huge pull from opposite sides to that question. From the optimists and the pessimists. We all struggle with that. Don't we sometimes wish that God were simple to understand? Don't we sometimes wish too that we had no hearts to feel and no minds to think? But that isn't so. Because God meant our lives to be a journey of faith - in mind, heart, in deeds. And FAITH will always be the story of our lives. Because no matter how you look at it, faith is behind everything that is about courage, strength, hope, trust, believing, and true living.

There is so much happening in the world that tries to shake us from our faith. Things which wrest us from the truth of our existence. That we are meant for greatness, hope, joy, peace, goodwill, health, success, abundance. But all these good things and more rest on the foundation of faith. Faith in a God who is greater than all of life, creation, of all the land and time. And that same God is the same one who loves us beyond measure. Is that hard to believe -- the Divine One loving us mere tiny mortals who are so flawed selfish and foolish? But He does! That's the awesome truth about it. And out of that love we are saved - protected - healed - guided - provided for. He cares for us so much that He won't even allow anyone or anything to hurt or harm us... even from or by our own hands and small silly minds. Oh yes how we can do things to hurt ourselves.

I know for certain God answers prayers. But He answers them His way, in His time, in His divine wisdom. You can be sure though that it will all be for our good individually or collectively. That then is what and why we should contemplatively exhaust our energies and thoughts in trying to understand Him. By whatever name He is called by different cultures, race, color, or creed... He is the same God of love. And how He loves all peoples of the world! He does!

There is so much more to be said but I shall not venture out further than my thoughts now. Will leave the rest to those who speak better on the subject.

God bless, everyone.
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Just some thoughts on an overcast morning such as this... but thoughts which leave behind a nice warm feel-good feeling :-) Ah I don't think I will be getting much reader views on this post Lols! -- might be considered 'preachy'. But no matter. The picture was forward to me by a good friend and its power immediately sat my thoughts in motion lols! Do tell, do you have a memorable God-experience in your life? Has it changed anything i.e. perception, understanding, insight, etc.?

THE HEART KNOWS BETTER HOW TO PRAY

Prayer is not just a word but it's the only common language known the world over. It is spoken in all the different languages by a vast multitude and diversity of race, culture, and creed. Oh but don't we all know that!

But one more thing I do know.. it's the only 6-letter word around with heart permanently attached to it. Man or woman, young or old -- a poor man living on the streets or the president of a country or a little kid of 5 or a life-weary old man of 80 -- they all have their hearts tied up in their prayers. So many things to pray about -- life, death, healing, success, provision, protection, guidance, relationships, ambitions, dreams, goals -- everything contained in our life struggles is reason for a prayer at one time or another. Even in our mundane pettiness and whimsical desires. Oh yes, ever heard how kids pray? And maybe some adults too.

No lengthy phrases and offerings need be said nor sacrifices be presented although it will not harm to do so too. It is as according to one's faith and belief. But prayer need not be much of a burden for anyone to do. A whisper or a silent tear or silence can be a prayer too. All that is needed or ever could be needed is already there in the heart. Pray with it.

Though the different ways of praying, only the heart knows how to pray well. Only the heart sends off the plea directly to the Holy Throne. Only the heart is heard loud and clear. And only in the heart is where you are you in prayer.

"When you pray, rather let your heart be without words than your words without heart."
--- John Bunyan

WALKING THROUGH MY TEARS WITH MY BEST FRIEND

This is a good piece; says it all. There are many ways to unburden ourselves of our fears or demons so to speak. One as mentioned here is to share with a close friend. And I agree. Also, there is private journal writing... and too Prayer. I resort to all three... with attention to the right place, time, person, and the weight of concern or issue at hand.

I have my close friends here, Lody particularly who knows all my cares and woes, joys and happiness. I appreciate her for standing by me through it all. As I do the same for her.

Friends I hold so dear to me. Every friendship through the years is valued and treasured. Truly they are my gold. But as life always would, some of them have gone and those who have remained are called to other directions in life thus severing the ties thru no fault of anyone. New ones have replaced them, true. But I do know that people come and go in our lives - not one meant to stay forever. Of such is life. Sadly.

So on most occasions I would rather pour out my heart in prayer. God is always there, will never leave me, and can work miracles which no human hands can do. In prayer, I find my peace... my burdens become light... my tears and fears washed away with His hand. Prayer is my help -- God my bestest friend. :-)
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To quote:

Plunging Into The Deep
Life Can Be Scary

Life can take us on a roller coaster ride full of highs and lows and twists and turns. Even for those of us who enjoy unexpected thrills, it’s frightening to suddenly find ourselves heading for a deep plunge. Yet, it happens to all of us. At these moments, it is important to remember that you are not alone in your experiences. No matter how brave, strong, or levelheaded we are, sometimes, we all get scared.

Our fears may revolve around our physical safety, particularly if we are not feeling well, living under difficult circumstances, or doing work that exposes us to hazardous conditions. Or, we may be experiencing financial woes that are causing us to be fearful about making ends meet. We may also fear the loss of a loved one who is sick, or we may be scared of never finding someone special to spend our life with. We may be scared to start at a new school, begin a different job, move to a new town, or meet new people. Whatever our fears are, they are valid, and we do not need to feel ashamed or embarrassed that we are, at times, afraid.

It may be comforting to know that everyone gets scared, and it is perfectly OK. Sometimes just acknowledging our fears is enough to make us feel better. And while it sometimes takes a lot more to ease our mind, we can console ourselves with the knowledge that life can be scary at times. Giving ourselves permission to be scared lets us move through our fears so we can let it go. It also makes it alright to share our fears with others. Sharing our apprehensions with other people can make our fears less overwhelming because we are not letting them grow inside of us as pent up emotions. Sharing our fears also can lighten our burden because we are not carrying our worries all by ourselves. Remember that you are not alone.

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NOTE:
This was forwarded to me in email by a good friend today. Its author unknown. Have highlighted my favorite lines.

I HAVE LEARNED THAT..... (PART 3)

“I have learned that I can always pray for someone when I don’t have the strength to help him in some other way.” --a friend

When talking with people online I have learned to keep my heart open to signals for help. Well, I have found out that the hurt, pain, issue, concern or whatever else it’s called which a person goes through in life manages to slip out in the chat or conversation. Even his silence can be telling.

Yet I also know my limitations. No matter how much I want to help sometimes I can’t because I don’t have the ready answers to it in my hands. I’m not superwoman or a fairy godmother or some deity who has the solution easily turning woes to joys – and no human being is. Not right to pretend at it either – not good to give out false hopes. And maybe I’d be tempted to simply disappear from the chat and blame it on the ‘failed’ internet connection the next time we meet. Often though I find that neither is my strength sufficient for such a deep need. I may be just like the other person frail and weak; I know I am.

But then I can’t let the moment pass without trying to help ease someone’s burden when the moment calls for it. It’s something Mom was very good at with friends and strangers alike in her time. She never turned her back on a hurting heart. Maybe I am unable to give concrete solutions but I stay and listen. It tugs right at my heartstrings I guess just like Mom.

Yet my human limitations are not a drawback in helping people I now understand. There is something that I can do that transcends everything else. I can --- PRAY.

I can pray and pray I will. I don’t need a church to do that nor a prayer book nor some grand manifestation or external trappings of ‘feigned holiness’ which admittedly is often seen around us unfortunately. Just like this lady I saw in a passenger jeep with closed eyes and fingers on her rosary supposedly ‘praying’. Ten minutes later, her fingers were still on the same bead unmoving! -- Quite amusing indeed. Several days after in another jeep I saw this old woman with her rosary -- finishing ten Hail Mary beads before she got off for her stop. That was something. Just an observation. Not saying that one is better than the other -- I can't read minds nor intent. We each have our ways in pursuing piety or religion. That is not the issue here.

You and I can pray for anyone where we are at with what we have in the silence of our souls – with nobody knowing at all. It’s called the ‘heart prayer’. It’s accurate, foolproof, speedy, and effective because it travels from heart to heart --- from your heart to God’s heart. Straight, direct, no jammed lines or messed up signals. And you’re sure to catch His attention because you know what --- He always keeps tuned-in to --- hearts.

So then when you find yourself saying to someone ‘I’ll pray for you’ --- do it please. You’ll be doing the very best you can do for that person.

WHEN WE THINK GOD SAYS NO

My friend has this to say to that (the title), quite emphatically. It was a topic brought out over lunch – the usual monthly meeting with the ladies.

He has constructed His replies to fall into two defined categories. One is ‘Yes’ – and the other is ‘No’. Answered prayers fall into the first one and the second one is just what it is – a ‘No’ -- Period.”

I nodded my head and continued munching on peanuts (another of my favorites – roasted, unsalted, unfried). The thing is my friends aren’t at all convinced seeing me as non-committal and quiet as that. Always my silence is interpreted as ‘brain activity’? Ugh!! How absurd! I often find myself just simply ‘watching’ the conversation – enjoying it, not thinking …and actually liking it so much. Lols Goofy ladies all! (But they’re a wonderful bunch, these ladies and I love them.) Sienna eyed me suspiciously to which putting on an innocent look I try to dodge with a...

“Hey, these peanuts are good, so where’d you get them?”

Unfortunately, it was such a pathetic attempt to ward off imminent questions. That didn’t work cause true enough, the ladies fired off their questions one after the other as you’ll see later. They’re not just goofy but also curious, inquisitive, and a pain to my enjoyment of food. Oh! For elusive peace when all I want is to enjoy my food.

“I’ll get us more peanuts” smiled Sienna knowing that it was going to happen anyway and headed for the kitchen.

“And while you’re at it, bring out the popcorn, too”, chimed-in the ladies giggling.

“Frankly, ladies…” I began and which made them behave in their seats. Now THAT is funny! Lol

“I don’t have the cut-and-dried answers to your questions. You have to figure that out yourself – like experience and reflection and away from that bowl of peanuts?? --MY bowl of peanuts, by the way.”

“Awwww..” objected Marcia with her Angelina Jolie pout lips.

“Oh okay, let’s take your questions instead” I relented knowing I could never get out of this one anyway.

“Shoot!” chimed in Liza batting her glorious eyelashes - not fake, real ones. How I often wished I had those to my own thin sparse ones. Anyway, here goes.

What are our own expectations in prayer?

With the wisdom brought down through the ages, we have been taught to understand that we are being passed through life’s furnace of trials by every unpleasant experience or difficult situation. But despite that ancient wisdom passed on to us by our mothers and the generations before her, still we fail to grasp this truth fully and completely. Ever wondered why we continue to rant, rave, cry, fume, despair, rage, or wither in desperation whenever life throws its hard bricks at us?

And true to our very nature, we view Life akin to a hot cup of instant coffee – instant gratification so to speak i.e. instant fixes, happiness, success, remedies, victories, etc. This mindset is simply carried over to when we pray. It’s a habit that sticks like glue. So we expect God to answer our petitions pronto in the manner we want it, when we want it, how we want it. For instance, foremost up in our mind would be the thought that this time God is wrong to make us wait. He cannot possibly say NO because we are in a situation wherein any kind of blessing would be appreciated … And that means ANY. Thus we would adamantly insist that God shouldn’t say NO to our prayers. Some say that is Faith too, but let’s shelve that for another table of discussion.

Further, we believe that delays to our prayers would mean dire consequences for us or the person we’re praying for. The situation, to our mind, demands immediate relief attention or aid. So there could possibly be no reason to withhold this from us on the premise that we are ‘not ready’ – ‘cause being in an urgent dilemma is just the structure for receiving immediate help.

But the truth is that opting for the fast and easy way out is a sure-fire way of failing – EASY IS NOT ALWAYS BEST AND GOOD, as you will find out in time.

How do we stand with God in prayer?

We are precious in God’s eyes -- that is so true; every little thing which concerns us concerns Him too. But the real thing, as your Sunday teacher would tell you, is that foremost in His mind is bringing us all back home together with him someday. That we be with our one perfect God and Father in our heavenly home. Note the word ‘perfect’. And note too that we are undoubtedly -- ‘imperfect’. We stand before Him as imperfect and flawed creatures although in spirit we are in the image of God.

Foolish flawed creatures that we are (stupid at times), we always forget one significant thing when we pray --- God is love and mercy. This defines His answers to our prayers. His great love for us makes Him take into consideration our human weakness and vulnerability – such frail and imperfect beings - Tender and easy to break and such big slobs in handling or taking a downright ‘No’ or any other form of rejection. Ah! --The folly of the human ego and pride. Knowing this therefore He handles us with utmost care and loving attention and when He has to -- soft-pedals His ‘NO’ to our prayers. I can see your unbelief to that. But it’s true because it’s not the way humans do with a flat absolute outright “NO”. Behind God’s seeming “NO” is a gift of love wisdom and divine understanding. His NO isn’t meant to hurt or harm you but rather simply said, it means God as saying ‘Not yet, child’ to your unanswered prayer. “You’re not yet ready for my blessing. Let’s do some work together first.”

When are we ready for God’s blessings?

First we have to go through a process which is far from pleasant, if you ask me. Ask anyone about that and they will tell you that getting God’s approval often brings out the other camp which continually works for our sure downfall. So God’s ‘NO’ is for the greater part a nudge in the direction of our growth which ultimately will lead us to victory. He says ‘no’ when He sees that we need to develop strength of character, wisdom, or increase in spiritual power. He pushes us to change from being weak to strong, from being scared to brave, from being hopeless to a can-do attitude – a process that we should go through, no excuses. What better environment for growth than the environment of difficulty. Yeah, a gem (growth) underneath an ugly wrap (difficulty).

But I remember how Mom would stress one other truth – When these things happen to us we are called NOT to be complacent with that idea that there is indeed a process going on. Why? Because the job is NOT ENTIRELY His, nope --it requires our ACTIVE participation too. We are supposed to RESPOND for our part in active obedience, comprehension, patience, humility, trust, and faith. God wants us in attendance and participation to the work He is trying to do in our lives. He wants us to get INVOLVED in our own learning. Because it’s more meaningful that way, you know; God+us -- together through the fire. Our OBEDIENCE AND TRUST sets the ground ready for blessings to flow in.

Irrespective of how long or how short the period of learning will take us, this I do know --- it effectively opens up the avenues for receiving the benefits therein almost immediately. The blessings pour out upon us from a God who is mighty pleased by our transformation. Without a doubt, it is the aligning of our will to His will which works out that miracle. And not only do we get answers to our earnest petitions but so much more happens for our joy – we become blessed far beyond measure. And that happens not in the time frame we have set for prayers to be answered but in His time – which can be instant, in a few minutes to an hour or maybe tomorrow but who cares about time? The miracle is just waiting to happen – and fantastically we are co-creators of that miracle. God+us through the fire, remember?

When we think God says NO… truth is, it actually means “NOT YET, my child, because we have to work out some things first. The rest will be easy, TRUST ME."