God's Eye View (How the Lord Answers Prayers)

Photo Credit: thecryingwoman.com

I've been blessed for the past four years of attending the Kerygma Conference (an annual inspirational event led by Bro. Bo Sanchez). One of my favorite talks this year was from Fr. Bob McConaghy for the Prayer and Worship class. He talked about how the Lord answers prayers.


Let me share with you some of my notes from Fr. Bob's talk.

-Prayer is intimacy. (Into Me See)
-God can change His mind. He is like a good parent who talks to His child.
-Choose God. Because in Him, you are known and loved.
-When we pray, God is asking, "Are you ready to listen to Me?"

1. When your prayer is not right, God says, "NO"
-When He says No, it's because He loves you. And if you really love someone,
will you put him/her at risk?
-Greatest miracle: Jesus conquering death.
-In painful moments, God is with you.

2. When you're not right, God says, "GROW"
- It's painful to grow.
-We need to allow maturity & growth in our life.
-Don't blame Him if He doesn't answer you right away.
-Be careful for asking signs. It might be something you set for yourself.

3. When the timing of your prayer is not right, God says, "SLOW"
-We often asked, Why?
-When you're down to nothing, God is up to something.
-When you pray, ask Him to surprise you.
-He has something better for you.

4. When everything is right, God says, "GO"
-He will answer just the way you want it and need it.


As I reflected, I realized that God has answered my prayers. I left the room carrying the lessons I've learned.

God indeed does answer every prayer.


P.S. I only sat in on this class. Thank You Lord for the divine appointment.  =)

The Definition of Success

Photo Credit: aspenfamilyleadershiprevolution.blogspot.com

Excerpted from Born To Win by Zig Ziglar

Here's a short list of the characteristics of what the author believes success isn't and what success is: 

What Success Is:

1. Success is knowing that you did a great job when you close the door to your office at the end of each workday and head for home.

2. Success is having a home and people to love who love you in return.

3. Success is having the financial security to meet your obligations each month and the knowledge that you have provided that security for your family in the event of your demise.

4. Success is having the kind of faith that lets you know where to turn when there seems to be no place to turn.

5. Success is having an interest or hobby that gives you joy and peace.

6. Success is knowing who you are, and Whose you are.

7. Success is taking good care of you and waking up healthy each day.

8. Success is slipping under the covers at the end of the day and realizing with gratitude that, “It just doesn’t get much better than this!”

You see from this list that success is defined by more than one sentence. Success involves the whole person, and if you skimp on one area, you will limit your success. Now, let’s take a look at what success isn’t:

What Success Isn’t:

1. Success isn’t missing dinner with the family several times a week because of working excessively.

2. Success isn’t rushing home from work and hiding out with the TV thinking, “After the day I’ve had, I need my space!”

3. Success isn’t about how to make more money when you already have more money than you can spend.

4. Success isn’t about going to church and ignoring everything you hear.

5. Success isn’t all work and no play.

6. Success isn’t about being so busy that you live on unhealthy fast food, served to you through little windows.

7. Success isn’t spending mental energy worrying about late projects, being home on time, your health, missing your child’s school play, being able to pay your bills, or finding joy in your life.

8. Success isn’t texting while you drive to catch up on your overloaded schedule.