Monday, 14 July 2008

What Do You Do When Your Best Plans Don’t Happen?

That’s my hard question to you.

You see, after my Boracay Wedding email last week, one woman asked me, “Bo, it seems that all your plans always happen! You live a charmed life. But my dreams don’t happen… What’s wrong with me?”


Let me make it clear: Yes, I do get frustrated too!


But before I share with you my experiences of utter frustration (and what I do when my best plans don’t happen), can I ask you to share your thoughts to the world?


What do you do when God seems not to answer your prayer?


What do you do you when you get hurt, disappointed, and fail?


What do you do when your fondest dreams are dashed to pieces?


Share your experiences.


Share your lessons in life.


Believe me, thousands who will read your reflections will be blessed!


Next week, I’ll share with you my answer to this question.


May your dreams come true,


Bo Sanchez


 


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270 comments:

  1. I remember about two years ago, I was contemplating to transfer my study in the diocesan seminary of our province. However, my spiritual director told me to get first a college degree in a regular university and forget about seminary life for a while. It was in the middle of the first semester then since i just went out from a religious seminary .

    My problem was, which university would accept me for the second semester. Good thing, my spiritual director was connected to one of the nearby university in our place. I accepted his offer and applied for the second semester. Luckily, I was admitted. I studied as a working scholar for that semester (since my parents cannot afford my education).

    I was really depressed that time 'cause I was eager to study but our financial condition hinders me. I lost my self-confidence. I thought I lost my sense of personal conviction. (Hindi ko pala kayang tumagal sa seminario). It was very very frustrating.

    While focusing on my studies, I have slowly recovered from my depression. I got a good plan then to transfer to the University of the Philippines for more challenging scholastic exposure. I have talked to my parents about my plans and they agreed. I even asked my relatives in Quezon City if I can stay in their house to lessen my transportation hampers. They also welcomed me warmly. So I strived to get good grades to accomplish what UP requires. My application form for transfer was already filled-out. I just needed to go personally to UP and apply. But to my surprise, the very next school year I was supposed to transfer, UP increased its tuition fee by 300%. Gosh, it was even greater than a slap on my face! Not again! I told my self. Another plan blown by the capricious wind.

    What I thought that time is I got control of all things. I forgot that God should be my greatest consultant when I plan.

    So what I did? I pause, reflect, and talk personally to God (in prayer). From then on, He became the best consultant I ever had. And I bet all His advices are 101% reliable. I surrendered my plans to His will. And since then, I attracted more of His blessings. I did not stop planning. But now, everytime I plan, I make sure I seek counsel from my greatest Consultant, Strategist, Tactician, Counselor---God.

    I just want to share the blessings I got after my decision to stay where I am currently studying.

    After my lost plan of transferring to UP, I decided to stay here in my current university. Since I got good grades, I was given scholarship. And right now, I'm enjoying my full scholarship. I was awarded two times gold medallist dean's lister. Right now, I'm about to graduate, hopingly to get Magna or Summa Cum Laude. (let's pray and work for it). Last year I was sent by the university to China as a student ambassador and English teaching assistant, I got an award from that Chinese University, bringing honor to our school. Moreover, I was also blessed to be part of a National Young Leaders Congress sponsored by one of the prestigious corporation in the country. I met lots of people. I got more friends. And I was able to touch more lives. Right now I am one of the student leaders in the campus ministry of our university. Doing my little ministry, I hope to be like Bo someday.

    Ahh...Before i forget, that's also one of the greatest blessing I got, by the time I was so depressed, someone introduced me to read one of the books of Bro. Bo. And from then on, I became his avid fan.Hahahaha!!!! I really pray for Bro. Bo everyday. He blesses and inspires lots of people like me. You really are like Jesus, Bro. Bo, you raised me up!

    Sorry, if I got a very long story here...Just for a recap..What I did when my best plan didn't happen? I paused, reflected, and prayed about it..And then I trusted God, He definitely has a better plan for me. It's 101% accurate and reliable..And then, I accept his boundless blessings arriving in my life despite his plans differ from mine. That I think is what we usually call Faith.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I remember about three years ago, I was contemplating to transfer my study in the diocesan seminary of our province. However, my spiritual director told me to get first a college degree in a regular university and forget about seminary life for a while. It was in the middle of the first semester then since i just went out from a religious seminary .

    My problem was, which university would accept me for the second semester. Good thing, my spiritual director was connected to one of the nearby university in our place. I accepted his offer and applied for the second semester. Luckily, I was admitted. I studied as a working scholar for that semester (since my parents cannot afford my education).

    I was really depressed that time 'cause I was eager to study but our financial condition hinders me. I lost my self-confidence. I thought I lost my sense of personal conviction. (Hindi ko pala kayang tumagal sa seminario). It was very very frustrating.

    While focusing on my studies, I have slowly recovered from my depression. I got a good plan then to transfer to the University of the Philippines for more challenging scholastic exposure. I have talked to my parents about my plans and they agreed. I even asked my relatives in Quezon City if I can stay in their house to lessen my transportation hampers. They also welcomed me warmly. So I strived to get good grades to accomplish what UP requires. My application form for transfer was already filled-out. I just needed to go personally to UP and apply. But to my surprise, the very next school year I was supposed to transfer, UP increased its tuition fee by 300%. Gosh, it was even greater than a slap on my face! Not again! I told my self. Another plan blown by the capricious wind.

    What I thought that time is I got control of all things. I forgot that God should be my greatest consultant when I plan.

    So what I did? I pause, reflect, and talk personally to God (in prayer). From then on, He became the best consultant I ever had. And I bet all His advices are 101% reliable. I surrendered my plans to His will. And since then, I attracted more of His blessings. I did not stop planning. But now, everytime I plan, I make sure I seek counsel from my greatest Consultant, Strategist, Tactician, Counselor---God.

    I just want to share the blessings I got after my decision to stay where I am currently studying.

    After my lost plan of transferring to UP, I decided to stay here in my current university. Since I got good grades, I was given scholarship. And right now, I'm enjoying my full scholarship. I was awarded two times gold medallist dean's lister. Right now, I'm about to graduate, hopingly to get Magna or Summa Cum Laude. (let's pray and work for it). Last year I was sent by the university to China as a student ambassador and English teaching assistant, I got an award from that Chinese University, bringing honor to our school. Moreover, I was also blessed to be part of a National Young Leaders Congress sponsored by one of the prestigious corporation in the country. I met lots of people. I got more friends. And I was able to touch more lives. Right now I am one of the student leaders in the campus ministry of our university. Doing my little ministry, I hope to be like Bo someday.

    Ahh...Before i forget, that's also one of the greatest blessing I got, by the time I was so depressed, someone introduced me to read one of the books of Bro. Bo. And from then on, I became his avid fan.Hahahaha!!!! I really pray for Bro. Bo everyday. He blesses and inspires lots of people like me. You really are like Jesus, Bro. Bo, you raised me up!

    Sorry, if I got a very long story here...Just for a recap..What I did when my best plan didn't happen? I paused, reflected, and prayed about it..And then I trusted God, He definitely has a better plan for me. It's 101% accurate and reliable..And then, I accept his boundless blessings arriving in my life despite his plans differ from mine. That I think is what we usually call Faith.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi!
    Its indeed very frustrating when our "fool proof" plan dosnt work! But If God was Included in the plan in the first place, its another story.
    I had a" not so recent" heartache because of a thwarted plan. I cried and laughed together with some brothers and sisters in the community that I belong to.(its good to have one) I take it to heart the teachings of the Lord that He Loves us the most, If what we ask for is not given now, then He must have something better in store for us. Jer.29;11-14.
    So lets put our trust and hope in the Lord!
    God Bless,
    Catherine

    ReplyDelete
  4. Nakakatuwa ang sharing ni wilson.
    Ako pag frustrated, haha... i just let myself feel sad and get through the feeling of not getting want i planned. Actually, this feeling makes me humble and reminds me that there is somebody more capable of planning for myself. The lessons I learned from not getting what I want is the stepping stone for my next plan. I will ask for advise and suggestion for the next plan. I believe that God gives me things, people and events that shape me to become who I am. I will still continue to plan things for myself. I will still be resposible and reactive in the events of my life. I will still continue to enjoy life and cherish what I have.

    ReplyDelete
  5. when i get frustrated especially in committing mistakes that are against my moral values, i really dwell on it!!! i try to divert my thoughts to something else but i simply can't! eventhough i keep saying to myself "it's OK, its OK, you are human...some people made mistakes worst than u did..." but still, anxiety and guilt keeps bothering me. I know this is not healthy and this is somethng I need to work on. And I know its not good to dwell on mistakes (I learn from my mistakes though but its just simply hard for me to move forward)...things like, i should have not done it...i have been weak, if i can only turn back time but I bloody can't!!! well, that's my point...i dwell on things which is something i need to work on. appreciate advise and comments. thanks Gobless

    ReplyDelete
  6. Sa ngayon, nasa gitna po ako ng laban. Walang kasiguraduhan.


    Last Friday, I received an email from the company where i'm applying.
    It says, I was not considered for the position. Hindi ipinaliwanag kung saan po ako bumagsak.

    Nahirapan po akong tanggapin sa una. Pero inisip ko na lamang na may dahilan kung
    bakit ito nangyayari. Kinabukasan ng hapon, nagsimba po ako sa Divine Mercy (Marilao). Usually po,
    umaga ako nagsisimaba dun. Pero ewan ko po ba pakiramdam ko may humahatak sa mga paa ko na magsimba ng
    hapon.

    Nakakatuwa dahil para nga sa akin yung sermon ni Father. Sabi niya, wag mawawalan ng pag-asa dahil
    habang may buhay may pag-asa. At hinding-hindi tayo ipapahamak ni Lord. Idinagdag niya rin ang salitang "WORD"
    na binigyan niya ng makahulugang salita.

    W - Wait
    O - Observe
    R - Reflect
    D- Do Something

    Yan daw po ang dapat gawin o isipin kapag may suliraning dinadamdam o problemang iniisip.
    Sobrang natulungan niya po ako para lumakas ang aking loob at ipagpatuloy ang naumpisahan.


    Kaninang umaga (Monday), tinawagan ko po ang kumpanya at kinausap ang isa sa mga Recruitment
    Specialists. Tinanong niya ako ng mga bagay-bagay at lumabas na maaaring ang rason daw kung bakit
    hindi ako na-consider ay dahil over 6 months na ang aking unang work experience.

    Then sinabi ko sa kanya na it would be so unfair for me kung iyan ang dahilan dahil paano
    naman yung effort na ginawa ko para mag-apply at saka yung fare. Dahil akala ko ok naman lahat
    dahil ininvite nga po nila ako to have Exam and Interview. I've waited for almost 2 months at
    ganito ang reason na ibinigay sakin. So nalungkot po ako at sinabi ko na hindi ko matatanggap ang
    dahilan nila. Hanggang sa ayun po, nakatanggap ako ng tawag after 15 minutes at sabi sa akin ay
    nagkaproblema daw po ako sa Medical Exam. Hindi nga ako nagkamali na maaaring iyon ang naging
    problema. Dahil nung araw po na pinamedical ako, may ubo at sipon ako.


    Nabuhayan po ako ng sinabi sa akin na kinakailangan ko po na tumungo sa kanilang office
    sa Makati. Hindi ko po alam kung anong mangyayari o gagawin sa akin.
    Sabi ko na lang sa sarili ko, kung anuman ang mangyayari sana po ay gabayan ako ni Lord.
    Medyo natatakot po ako dahil parang may konting sipon pa po ako though yung ubo wala na siya.
    Pero sabi ko nsa sarili ko, isa itong challenge sa akin dahil ang dami ko ng nagawang kasalanan.
    Panay pangako ko kay Lord na hindi ko na uulitin yung mga nagawa kong kamalian pero ginagawa ko pa rin.
    Ngayon, buo na po ang aking loob. Anuman mangyari wala na po magbabago sa paniniwala kong magbabago na
    ako. Dahil sa pangyayaring ito, natauhan ako. Mahal nga talaga ako ng Diyos. Hindi niya nga ako
    pababayaan.


    Ginusto kung makapasok sa kumpanya na iyon dahil alam kong malaki ang maitutulong nito sa aking
    mga mahal sa buhay - family, relatives, friends and others who really need help. At hindi sa
    kadahilanan na para umasenso ako at maging mayaman o kung anupaman.


    Sa ngayon, idinadalangin ko po sa tulong na rin ni Bro. Bo na sana ay gabayan at patnubayan ako
    ng ating Panginoon. Salamat po Panginoon sa buhay na ibinigay niyo sa akin. Mahal ko kayo!

    ReplyDelete
  7. this is very timely I would like to learn how to deal with disappointments the Christian way. I have planned for all my life to give my mom a sari-sari store so that she will not be dependent to me since right now i was the only working member of the family. I send my younger brother for college and boy my finances is really really bad I have negative right now and then I got a loan which i decided to use to put up the sari2 store because I studied this business that it would be profitable since our place is really competitive and its really a good place to put sari2 store but then this time came that the money i loaned is still not working I'm really really frustrated right now and things arent going well with the business i'm trying.

    ReplyDelete
  8. gud day 2 everyone...ill just try to express myself...di ako sanay gumawa ng e mail..pero...thnx kay bro. bo..nagkaroon ako ng lakas ng loob...dati when i get frustrated...masama ang loob ko...pag may mga hinihiling ako na di matupad...akala ko galit sa kin si Lord..kasi ang dami kong kasalanan..pero when i read the book..the purpose driven life..doon nagbago ang pananaw ko...God grants our prayer..in his perfect time...saka di Nya tayo bibigyan ng mga bagay na makakasama sa tin...sa ngayon ill just wait patiently...pag may mga request ako sa Kanya

    ReplyDelete
  9. I try to be positive as much as possible; Kahit minsan sobrang frustrating.
    Make the most of what has remain; Baka mamya mas maganda pala ung option na binibigay Nya.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hi Bo,
    I am grateful to my Maker for a lot of things, including you.
    It has been sometimes that I have read your books,tapes and watch you on television.
    As to what happens when my best plan fails? . . . For the past 13 years we have been praying for my drug dependent kid, implored, begged and cried my heart out to Jesus to heal him. All the things that this planet could offer, all the help failed me. There was a point in my life when I started to doubt about Jesus, Mama Mary and my faith. Is it so hard for them to grant my wish? My husband gave up - stop going to church till now . . .(its been 14 years ago).
    One day after our vacation, we came home with most of our household appliances missing. My son looted our own home. That was my last straw, and vowed that this time I would resort to legal measures should he come home, since he left.
    As a mother, I was scared that I felt so furious towards my son and stood firm that I would not allow him to come home. After several phone calls, my son realized that I mean business this time, since I was the only one in our family who stood by him and believed that one day with my love he would changed. But I was wrong.
    Its been a year now Bo since he left, but my husband and I never felt so much Peace in our home. Now I realized that God Almighty put me to this situation to make me strong to Let God and Let Go of my son. . .
    Now he is staying with relatives but is working with a very good salary, vowed to our relatives that he would show us that he could do it on his own. I heard he is drug-free and will be going out of the country next month.
    God indeed works in mysterious ways Bo. . .

    ReplyDelete
  11. I get frustrated.... really frustrated! But after entertaining my human emotions, I sit down and try to reflect why my plans didn't happen the way I prayed for it to happen. And most of the time, my rationale would be, "because it's not yet the right time, or it's not gonna do any good to me or to my family". It sounded too cliche but I realized that when you come to believe (as in really believe) that God provides what you need or what you asked for at the right place at the right time, you will be amazed that you're able to control the feeling of disappointment or worse blaming the guy up there why it didn't happen.
    I always tell this to my friends... "If you really want something, just pray hard to God and He will give it to you just in time you badly need it." Funny but I sometimes say "pag nakulitan na syo si Lord, ibibigay nya din yun!" so keep on asking.
    Just to share a perfect answered prayer, since last year I have been praying for the perfect company where I can transfer. A company that will provide good benefits for me and my family (of course it should cover good financial benefits as well as the benefit of having a balanced life). I actually had at least 3 job offers in very reputable companies in a year. I have reached the final stage of interviews with the big bosses, they all said that i'm the perfect person for the position I'm applying for and that they will just have to finalize the offer sheet. Sadly, after a minimum of one week of negotiation, all three companies decided not to get me because of issues on the salary.
    I did not lose hope, I kept on praying. Until after a year, I got a job offer from one of the biggest telco in the country. It gave me a good package that I can't just let go. I would like to believe that it's the answer to my prayer. This coming August I will be starting the new chapter of my career life in the company God provided for me. And this is His plan for me
    So what do I do when my plans don't happen? I pray and I pray hard until God give in.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I stay positive and never giving up on pursuing my goals. If one fails, it doesn't mean that the next one will fail as well. But I always not try to think about failing, although preparing for possible failures also helps. I believe it's important to keep on imagining the fulfillment and success of your goals. Our thoughts will eventually lead to action and It is our actions really that will bring us to success. Life is difficult but there's always a lot of hope to strive and continue living.

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    ReplyDelete
  13. When my plan doesn't work, I still have 3-4 alternative plans so then I work on them. But before I do, I would think why the first one didn't work, probably sulk for a bit...be depressed for 30 minutes and wallow in self-pity for 5 minutes and then I pray!

    I do believe that when things don't work, God has other plans for me. So it's time to be still and listen which way he wants me to go. That's why when I endeavor to do or achieve something, I always have about 3-5 plans or ways to do it. I know..this might seem to be untrusting or to pushy but really, it worked me all along.

    I do have frustrations but through time, I learned not to dwell on frustrations and I am one persistent person. I just go on..and on...and think of ways how to do better or where to do better and move on (in case that thing is not really for me).

    It's not easy to do. I am only in my late twenties but I feel so 'mature' because of the hardships that I went through. Where I am now, some people think I had it easy when in fact, I planned everything (and of course, prayed for guidance) since almost 10 years ago.

    Indeed, if it's for you or for me, it will come. If it's not you will surely know it when it fails or when it does not feel good.

    So when my plans don't happen, I ask God why, try to listen to Him, then I plan again and hope that I got his message this time.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I've experienced a LOT of foiled plans. A lot of "down-time". I became a single mom at 17. Left jobs I loved because of too much politics at work. Broke an engagement. Etc. etc. etc.

    I prayed. I cried and wailed. Begged God to fulfill my wishes. But then He's the boss and at some point I realized that I just had to leave everything to Him and become His humble servant.

    I wanted to do things MY way, but He had other plans. Actually BETTER, no... THE BEST plans for me. And eversince I allowed him to navigate my life I've learned to take everything in stride. I don't fight off His plans for me anymore, HE KNOWS BETTER. So I just follow. =)

    ReplyDelete
  15. What do I do when things don't go as planned? I pray for enlightenment. I remind myself that "this too shall pass." I remember that God works all things for good. I honestly believe that God's delays and detours are paths to the divine. I have proven this personally so many times.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I have been hanging on to a long distance relationship for over 10 years. Yes I know, hard to believe that in this very modern time, a specie like me still exists. For so long, there's nothing I have ever hoped for and ever wanted but to be with him. I pray hard to God to bring him back to me and make him mine. Yet until now, it remained an unanswered prayer. The pain it caused me is the most hurting! I don't know how and when I will heal or if I ever will be healed. But at the end of the day, I believe God has blessed me with the gift of immortal love, the realization that I am capable of loving someone this much.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I was supposed to be a bride last June...it was really painful..but life is about acceptance, too. Even though how hard you tried to make it work...marriage, or relationships for that matter is different. coz it takes two to tango...you need to meet and share life together. No matter how I tried, it boiled down to the message from God, thru elders and friends, and the complicated issues we had, that we were never meant to me.

    I learned my lessons...of letting go..of choosing my suitable partner well from the start...of taking time in anything, not rushing but taking time, developing the relationship well in preparation for a lifetime commitment, of forgiveness, of loving myself more, too.

    In all of this, I learned to rely more on God's strength, not my own. And I realized how I have been doing thru all these years...my love for friends that I shared just for the joy of giving, has been returned generously..I am greatly loved...by friends, family and our God. I was never alone in my life's journey. I am not alone and will never be alone...

    I am on my road to emotional healing..in time, I will be bouncing back again..stronger, more positive and more loving person...living life in abundance as God wants us to be.Life is beautiful, after all...

    ReplyDelete
  18. i'm currently dealing with difficulties in life. finance, family, career, lovelife. I always do the things that I should do to make my plans be achieved kasi I believe that "Nasa Diyos ang awa, nasa tao ang gawa" but right now, it seems that everything I planned has never succeeded, everything I need and want ay di ko na-aachieve.

    I cry kasi sobrang bigat sa dibdib, I smoke kasi pakiramdam ko nakaka relax kahit paano pero siempre kung pano mabilis na mawala ang usok, siyang bilis din agad ng balik ng problema ko, but still talk to God.

    Lagi akong antay ng antay na ngayon ay nakakaramdam na ako ng pagkapagod. Ngunit sa tuwing iniisip ko ang Diyos, nagpupumilit pa rin ako na magtiwala sa Kanya na hindi Niya ako pababayaan. Pero dumarating pa rin ako sa punto na halos sumuko na ako. Natitira sa akin ay pagka-takot sa Diyos.

    Sobrang frustrated na ako and desparate na sa buhay. Bakit laging mahirap ang lahat para sa akin? Feeling ko pinaparusahan ako ng Dios. Pero di naman ako sobrang masamang tao. Marunong naman akong mag appreciate ng mga blessings Niya. Normal lang siguro itong nararamdaman ko lalo na at nandito ako sa situation na ito.

    Gayun pa man, ang lahat ay pinagtitiwala ko sa Diyos. Alam ko na may gusto Siya na mas "best" para sa akin. In difficult situations, mas lalong dapat na mas maging pala-kausap sa Diyos para ma-bear lahat ang hirap na dinaranas.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Before, I use to beat up mysef mentally and emotionally for any plans that don't work. I find fault in myself if things go wrong. I am my worst critic.

    But now I understand that I cannot keep it this way. Failure is a reality in even the best-laid plans. The important thing for me to do is ask what worked, what did not and is there something that can be done to adjust and make it better. I then pray for wisdom, revelation and strength to persist through the disappointment. Then I try again.

    ReplyDelete
  20. My present difficulties at work makes me realize to move out of my job even if I love it the past years. Lately, I was really down knowing that I'll be leaving the job "i really prayed for" way back. But then I realized, God really blessed me. He allow me to have my soon-to-be ex-work. Now, I keep saying sorry to Him for not being tough with the kind of work & culture my company have. Not to mention some failures in my family, as well as some of the people who I though were my friends. But then again, when things don't work your way. HE HAS HIS OWN WAY, BEST WAY AS ALWAYS.

    Im currently in the process of healing, and moving forward if I may say. I was really blessed that offers for new job keeps coming, and all I need to do is to discern and listen to HIM. Same with relationships, I keep on praying, knowing that everything is gonna be fine. I only need to wait, and go out, have fun with my friends. As for my fondest dream, simple lang naman e, magscuvadive sa Great barrier (in fairness, Im not a swimmer) Keep praying my friends.


    Bro Bo, Ur the Man!!!
    God bless

    ReplyDelete
  21. i got married at the age of 18. since then i had all the "stories" of my life...that's when i finally realized the meaning of what others usually say about life.."parang gulong ang buhay." sometimes you're up and sometimes you're down. at an early age i suffered a lot in my marriage to the point of wanting to end my life. but having two kids around i realized that i have a purpose and a reason to live. to make the story short, me and the man and father of my kids which i loved so much had an annulment after 9yrs of sufferings (i am a battered wife). i questioned God too many times why i had to go through all these. i know i had been a good wife to my husband and a good mother to my kids and yet i have to suffer. but a few years later, God gave me answers to all my questions..in His time and in His ways our qustions and doubts will all be answered and for sure His moves are always the best for us. ..i learned that by trusting Him and keeping our faith in Him no matter how difficult it is to hang on "there will always be a rainbow after the rain." God loves us....just let Him be the pilot of our lives as we do our part to be His good children.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I have lots of frustrations, pain, hurts and depressions especially when I learned that my mom have cancer. Yes I talk to God (in my own personal way of prayer). I ask him many, many questions which I did not expect any answer. What I did was “to live a life one day at a time”. Sure it works! Mom passed away in 2004 and here I am missing her so much but still have life full of hope, love and blessings. For me, just do your part God knows best!

    ReplyDelete
  23. 1998 - I got retrenched, lost my dream house and my husband's business 'nosedive'. Although I got called back from that same job, I had to start from the bottom again. I started doing businesses on the side, from doing networking (herbal life, forever living, amway...) to starting my own (cross stitch store, px goods, flower shop, arts and crafts...). Well, I thought then that it was all a waste of time and money. I've been praying for help and thought the Lord wasn't listening. Now I'm based in Abu Dhabi. I just got my dream position last March. Only then that I realized that all the failed businesses, frustrations and experiences that I went through are training grounds for me to earn the career that I truly love. Not to mention that now I have the time to join a Catholic community here in the UAE. Just a week ago, I bought a property in a prime location in Manila. Truly God knows what's best for us. All we need to do is trust in Him and surrender.

    ReplyDelete
  24. "what do i do when my best plans don't happen?" ...i never know what to do..because my best plans..never seem to be the best...?!

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  25. 1.When God Seems not to answer, I ask myself if what im really asking for is self serving or at the brink of selfishness usually I talk to God as a friend pouring out my emotions to him uncensored unedited and as much as possible all aspects of it revealed. And maybe He was just testing my patience to wait

    2.When I get disappointed fail or hurt - as i am now... I remind myself of what I have right now and forget the things that I currently dont have and a thought that I will eventually have it in the future. ts really painful when you always concentrate on the cause of your disappointments to the point that you missed on the things you already acquired.

    3. Fondest dreams dashed into pieces- I cry I laugh (not at the same time though) I do things that makes me feel better and through it i stand up and recharged to do it and try again. Think of it this way I will succeed this time.

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  26. What do you do when God seems not to answer your prayer?

    What do you do you when you get hurt, disappointed, and fail?

    What do you do when your fondest dreams are dashed to pieces?

    when i get frustrated, get hurt, disappointed and fail, never once did i blame it on HIM. i blame myself for all the misfortunes that comes my way. i always associate it with my sins and how i failed HIM most of the times.

    \what i do? i pray and i know with his forgiving love, things with me will be ok, in HIS time

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  27. What do you do when God seems not to answer your prayer?


    For me, I just place my trust in Him that God will eventually answer my prayers in His time. There might be someone much more in need than my so called plans, today just might not be for me but tomorrow could be my day.

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  28. What do you do when God seems not to answer your prayer?
    - I focus on my blessings instead, I count them.. and I pray to God to strengthen my faith even more and to give me the courage to face each and every difficulty in my life.

    What do you do you when you get hurt, disappointed, and fail?
    -I pray for God's guidance.

    What do you do when your fondest dreams are dashed to pieces?
    -I try to build a new dream again, it's free afterall. I never get tired of dreaming..

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  29. If my plans fail, I tend to ask God why. Yes, I get frustrated too. But each time, I get His answer - why not? He is God and He knows best. Di ba, He has plans for us to prosper and not to harm us. So I hold on to this promise. Even though my human mind cannot fathom His ways, I know that His ways are perfect. Someday, I will see that all is perfect, according to God who is perfect. This is very timely too, since I am undergoing a lot of transformation now. Thanks again Bro. Bo.

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  30. my plans not working is like losing. i'd probably take a moment to hate myself, mainis/manggigil/maasar, maybe allow myself to feel like a Loser just for a litl bit, question god mostly. and then pick myself up, and find another plan. reroute. the "other" plan, the next best thing, the fallback sometimes turns out to be just as good. rerouting can actually be interesting, i'm forced to reimagine, recreate, redo, roll with the punches. but still, i don't like losing my best laidout plans.

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  31. I have recently adopted the practice of whenever things don't go my way and I'm close to being really frustrated, I look up and hold my hands in surrender to His will, because I can be so stubborn, so egoistic sometimes that God seems to tell me "Enough of your foolishness, let me take care of you..." then I find peace knowing that He is in charge. Even though things are not the way I expected, I am comforted by the thought that everything that happens happens for a reason. I also believe that the best way to deal with frustration is to be flexible and adaptable to change, have the notion that change is good, change is constant, and change brings about growth no matter how difficult the situation may be... anyway we are just passersby here on earth, so why not enjoy every change, be like a child in constant wonder and you'll realize frustration will be a thousand miles away :)

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  32. hi bro. bo

    I'm in financial difficulty right now and very frustrating but i know someday i will recover from dis dilemma. I will just pray to God that my creditors will pay obediently. I'm praying hard to overcome my frustrations in life.

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  33. Invariably, when I Idon't get what I believe to be the best of my dreams or suffer what I feel to be at a time the worst of heartbreaks and misfortunes, in my brokenness I would later realize that it was not what it had seemed. I still have a long way to go before I can really know how to appreciate treasures in heaven.

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  34. its really a tough question..well, as for me..every plans that i made seem to work out just fine..only this one thing...to have a happy marriage life...
    Whenever i'm into a kind of relationships, it usually didn't last..and it seems to be frustrating on my part.. all i wish for, is to have someone to share with the rest of y life...minsan tuloy naisip ko, bakit ganun...God seems to take away the person i love..Does He doesn't want me be happy??... i felt sad about it, its really depressing...and when depression drown me... i usually find comfort from my mom...i find strength whenever i see her around, comforting me..consoling me... but theres another way where i find comfort in the absence of my mom..... i usually run to God.. i cried and i pray... when i can't compose myself, i ask mother Mary to comfort me..there i could find peace and the inner strength to move on....really, God suffice all we need.

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  35. What do you do when God seems not to answer your prayer?
    *Since this year started, my life took a different turn leaving all my prior plans for the year in disarray. I prayed hard everyday for God to help in my situation. There were moments when I was at peace but most of the time I was depressed because I thought God wasn’t listening to my pleas. At that time, I sought to listen to back episodes of preacher in blue jeans and tried to look for God’s word in my situation spoken through the preachers. I reminded myself of them especially when I was beginning to feel hopeless.

    It was just amazing when I realized that God used that time to reveal His presence and power in my life. Had He left me alone with my previous plans, I would not have thought that there is something better and God cares enough for me to answer even my tiniest needs in His perfect time.

    What do you do you when you get hurt, disappointed, and fail?
    I usually blame myself. I could have gotten hurt probably because of a consequence of my disobedience.
    I tell God how I feel and talk to him like I would to a friend. I would pray for him to take away the pain. He usually sends His comfort through words of wisdom from friends or total strangers. It’s wonderful and exciting to see him at work in my life and how the universe conspires to send God’s blessings to me.


    What do you do when your fondest dreams are dashed to pieces?
    I have learned from experience that if my dreams were shattered, I wait for God’s plan because He is actually waiting to give me the perfect dream at His perfect time.

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  36. What do you do when your best plans dont happen?
    Sometimes I get frustrated, but there is just one phrase i keep on hanging to in times of depression, "there is always a reason for everything and everything has a reason..." Maybe my best laid plans was'nt meant for me......
    I just keep on praying for guidance, that He will lead me to the right path, and that my plans will be in accordance to His will. "Man proposes, God disposes". That I can be the best person I am meant to be......

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  37. cristy arriola martin14 July 2008 at 20:58

    when my best plans don't happen, i would listen carefully to what god is actually trying to tell me.. maybe, it seems to us that our plans are so good, in fact the best, for us to forget that there is someone up there who has already made a perfect plan from the beginning of time, ready for execution, at anytime he knows that it is already the right time..

    during these occasions when we are too pre-occupied executing our best plans, we tend to sharply direct our vision towards what we expect to happen, and we fail to look inside us and consult the creator who resides therein..

    when we are too busy planning and making things happen, it will always be worthwhile to stop and listen to god, who might all this time have been telling us the right direction to take, so that there will be no "best plans that didn't happen."

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  38. I've been praying before for a trip to Holy land but until now my prayer has not been answered. I just keep on praying since I believe God will answer me in His time. Recently I was praying for a promotion to answer my financial difficulties but He granted an increase in my salary and some economic benefits. I already made plans to increase my donation to kerygma family if ever I will be promoted but at the end of my prayer, I never fail to say Thy will be done. I am hesitant to insist God about my petitions. I always tell Him after every petition if it will be for the good of my soul. I am not hurt of unaswered prayers for I always believe that He has great plans for me, much greater than what I asked and He knows what is best for me.

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  39. I have my plans, but God knows best for me. If my plans don't happen, I do these:

    Accept the situation. It was hard at the start, but through continous prayers of his Holy Anointing of wisdom, knowledge, strong discernment, sensitivity to his messages and for the grace of obedient heart, I was able to accept the situation.

    Look back and think if said plan was really the will of God. Perhaps it was just done out of excitement, in a subjective way or coz of just an outburst of emotion. I learned that I should not make a decision just because I am angry or I am just happy to do it.. I should have an objective decision. What is my ultimate purpose? Do I want it for selfish ambition? will it do good or harm me? Will if affect other people's lives in a positive way, and so on.
    I have to consult other people who had the same experiences in life. Like experts. And from there, pick up strategies or ways which could be applicable to me.. Modesty aside, this is not cheating . I call it " copy cat. In a more technical term- benchmarking.

    Re think of strategies that i have undertaken. What went wrong? What went right? What should be stopped? what should be continued? What should I innovate? Meaning- what are the best strategies I should undertake to carry out the purpose or objectives of my plans. Am I trying to solve present problems or not?

    Review my resources- financial and mental capability. I have to know my readiness once my plans happen or materialize.

    I must enjoy the journey. Be positve. Be senstive to God's messages. Avoid naysayers...


    Re-think of strategies that I have undertaken.

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  40. cried, got angry, withdrew from everyone. yes, including God.
    While wallowing in my misery, i remembered one of the sister's words during my formation years - others may and do make mistakes (and how!) but God doesn't.
    I trusted him, surrendered my life in his hands, persisted in my dream and realized he had other plans - much better.
    It was no mistake at all!

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  41. When my best plans don't happen...

    I just say to myself "God must have a BETTER plan prepared for me."

    I don't know when it started, i don't know how, but for quite sometime now, I have always believed that if things DON'T turn out how i planned it, SURELY, at the end, things will just turn out fine and often times, even better!

    i had planned to study violin at a later age... but God made it possible for me to study it at this moment.

    My fiance and I had planned to get married last year, but it did not push thru because of financial troubles.. but turns out, this year has been a better year for us. And a lot of our loved ones have already given their support. Few months to go before our wedding!

    I had planned to have my shop built last summer, but it didn't push thru, again coz of financial reasons. It was actually a lucky delay.. because I learned that i had to prioritize things and become more patient. I shouldn't always decide on impulse. During this year's summer, unexpectedly, it rained for quite sometime. I guess it was God's plan to postpone it at the moment.

    When everything seems to be going wrong, i always expect that God must be doing something right.=)

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  42. Sometimes when my dreams don't happen I get screwed trying to figure out why things turned wrong. Indeed, it was in silence when i found the answer. It is not that God doesn't want to give the things that i needed. I refelected and i hear him saying "my child it will be given unto you in my time"

    Just like what it says in the bible;

    Proverbs 3:5-6

    5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
    and do not lean on your own understanding.

    6 In all your ways acknowledge him,
    and he will make straight your paths.

    I have faith in him "in his time" it will be given unto me.

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  43. Hi bro. bo. I am working in an oil company for 3years already as a project/contractual employee.
    After applying for a regular position for several times, I don’t know why they did not gave me any feedback.
    Then earlier this year a reorganization was made by the management, wherein some employees where redundated while some just resigned because the position being offered is either away from the metro or just simply because they don’t like the offer.
    I was actually wondering (not doubting) why the Lord is not giving me the chance yet to prove myself here in this company. I know that He is telling me something but I just don’t get the message.
    Although Ii was also applying in other companies, parang hindi ako ganun ka-persuasive na i-pursue ung mga interview and exam and all that. Or Maybe I am still hoping that this company will absorb me as regular. It’s been 3 years and all I want is a career in this company.

    Just sharing my thoughts about my job.

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  44. I learned to ask God in His will because I understand what is His best for me.

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  45. I learned to ask God in His will because I understand what is His best for me.

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  46. for me i also have my prayers still un-answred, at times i felt a little bit disappointed & when i felt this way, i talk to Him like a child asking his father for comfort & sometimes battle Him up with so many questions. But when this time comes i learnd to be more patient and learn to exert more for that dream and be open to what His plans for me. I always believed that all prayers are answred, may it be YES, NO or Wait. When it doesn't come it may mean Wait not No.

    Just the keep the faith(that He will bless with what we need) & always do our share to realize every dreams we have.

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  47. I have been active in SFC about 3 years ago. After graduation, I was slacking without a job except for a few tutorials, hoping that I could meet along the way, a job that I really like. At 25, I was hired by a big company. But I was giving myself a 5-year plan, after 2005. That after 5 years, I'll be deciding on which vocation I should be in. I am in the process of discerning. It was like I was giving myself a game plan, I'll be having a plan A, plan B or if nothings works, I should be having plan C. After 3 years of discernment, I am becoming more confused. As I write down my journal, I can see that life for me is becoming more complicated. I was thinking that having such plans would make my life easier, but then, I was wrong. I realized that one thing that makes it wrong, is, I was too consumed of my plans. And not on the plans that God has for me. I placed everything at my hand. As I approach my 30's,my deadline,2 more years to go, I am becoming scared that until now, I am undecided. But God made a promise for me in Jeremiah. That he has the greatest plans for me. Plans for me to prosper and a future full of hope. That is something I hold on until now. He has better plans for. For I believe that God's plan for me is already being laid out even before I was born.

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  48. Hello! Ako naman iniisip ko ang buhay "magsasaka". Yung green fields na parang peaceful and full of life. Sow and reap. (and sleep)

    Basta, I tell myself just keep doing what you're doing.

    Somehow, somewhere, sometime, God will show you where you are heading for.

    Mabuhay po!

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  49. hi bro
    i dont know if i will share my story..its a common story actually ,but its the pain i had is so hard to get through with it...we broke up with my 4 years bf..we are on the stage of getting married this year..but some circumtances happend..i cant expalin why things turned out with nothing..the plans we made instantly changed..i am on the stage of shocked,i really cant believe it happen to me..i got to hospital in my deppression...still looking forward to see rainbow in the future..
    God bless all

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  50. I believe in Divine providence...When my prayers are not answered.....I belive it is His will...or maybe it is not yet the right time for me to have the answer. As the song goes, "He makes all things beautiful, in His time.." But sometimes, I feel sad, too. And when I feel sad, i just pray harder...And this makes me closer to HIM...

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  51. For us who are still seeking answers to our prayers, hopes and dreams, may God give us strenght and the humility to accept that things will happen in his time and according to His will.

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  52. I would just like to share that when my best plans don't happen God did answer me while watching my son's favorite 'BATIBOT" the scene was about a child asking if God really hears our prayers because it seems that God doesn't answer his prayers.The father of the child patiently explained God answers our prayers in 3 ways.
    First,God does not give anything that will not be good for you,and anything that may harm you..
    Second,God does not give it you are not yet ready or capable to receive what you are asking for.
    Third,God will answer your prayer when you are ready because He knows what is best for you and will give what you need in His time.
    I learned to be sensitive in God's message ,because He answered my questions in a kid's tv program.I also learned to be patient because I know that God will answer my prayers in time.I learned to apply the 3 lessons accdg to
    Matthew7;7-8
    7 "Ask and it will be given to you;seek and you will find;knock and the doors will be opened to you.

    8 for everyone who asks receives;he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks,the door will be opened.

    It is so easy to remember ASK,SEEK,KNOCK.
    GOD BLESS!

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  53. It was early this year when may i say "My good plan didn't happened"

    Before the end of 2007 i spoke with my younger brother (we are four, three girls and youngest is boy) since I'm older than him (I'm the 3rd girl) and my other two siblings were married already and we the two left single, we need to plan for the next year to come. He is a seaman by profession and after two times of going out internationally he did not save anything. I always tell him na it's ok as long as he enjoy his hard work. But this time please save na, and let's put Papa and Inay in a better position since they were done na of their obligation to us.

    Thanks God I have a good job and earning sufficient for us.

    He ask me to help him still because he wants to take the exam for a higher position. So I said ok, all our plans for our parents will be on hold and I will help him on all his expenses as long as after this he will be responsible for what I lost because of sending him to review center.

    He said yes!!!

    My dream of building a house for my parents is on hold.

    Wow!! an UNSELFISH dream for my parents...

    As i help my brother sending him to review center...Wow!!! an UNSELFISH plan to do....

    Akala ko this was God's plan for me...kasi I'm not thinking of my self. I set my 2008 with all this plan. I'm ready!!

    Until early February my brother told us he is getting MARRIED!!!

    WHAT?????

    He said he wont pursue na his review rather he will apply to work again.

    It was whirlwind...but i accept very easily...I ask and pray for God's help. FOR ME ACCEPTANCE IS THE BETTER WAY TO DO AND PRAYER IS THE BEST WHEN OUR PLANS DON'T HAPPEN.

    Right now, my brother is abroad once again and his wife is delivering their panganay baby boy on October.

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  54. My only wish to is to have a simple happy family life. I never wish for an extravagant life. Simple material things satisfy me. And yes, God grant me a wonderful family. A good husband and adorable kids (Mark and Angela). We were happy and we enjoyed our simple pleasure during the first 5 years of our blissful married life. But things change and the inevitable happen. We've got separated on our 7th year of marriage despite my plea to God to save my marriage in exchange of my lucrative professional work. I am willing to give up my career in favor of my family. But God never listen. I was devastated and broken. I have good plans for my family. But you know what, I realize that all those years I have lived our lives according to my plans. So I surrender my anger and pain to the Lord and rely on HIS PLANS for us.
    This is when I find my inner peace. No more pain, no more anger. Right now, I have a wonderful firendship with the father of my Kids. I am happy that my kids was able to accept the reality of our lives. Neither of them show any emotional or psychological disturbance. They still adore and love their father so much. And they love their half sister without any jealousy. It is not something I should be proud about but I can definitely face the world without shame.
    Acceptance is the key and allowing God to work in your life is the answer. God never wanted me to give up my career in order to be able to provide the best for my kids. He never wanted me to give up my job in order to be financially sound and be of help to others especially my relatives in need. He allowed this thing to happen to me because he wanted me to remain humble and be a model person to those undergoing the same fate.
    I really don't know what's in store for me. But I trust in God that He will never forsake me.

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  55. This is a tough question, what do I do? Many things, (yoga, meditation, eating, working, counselling - it will take me 10 days to tell all). What I’m trying to say is that I continue to live life.

    We’ll I’ve always believed that God answers our prayers in His right time. When He doesn’t – He is teaching us the virtue of patience. Maybe we are not ready yet – He wants us to be prepared. We are not specific – continue to pray in detail (God wants us to never stop talking to Him). Many times I am like the blind man who kept on calling on to Jesus until He stopped and asked what he wanted.

    Have faith my friends, Jesus said: “Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you”. I always hold on to these words – and believe me it never fails.

    Everyday, I thank the Lord for all the blessings He’s given us. When I feel bad, I just try to remember – sometimes I even write them down and it helps bring up my spirit again. When you see how many good things God has done for you, the unpleasant things disappear.

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  56. I read once that when bad things happened we undergo a certain process called DADA syndrome...Denial Anger Depression and Acceptance...and everytime I encouter disappointments I just think about this as this will make me conscious about my feelings...as to how long we will be in the stage of Denial, Anger, Depression before accepting things will totally rely on our choice. No matter what happens we will always udnergo this process, at first there will be in denial and then we will feel angry and then be depressed...theres no way that we could accept things without going through this process...the difference of each one of us is for how long to stay in each stage...so whenever Im down and will be disappointed I will make a conscious effort to determine each stages and try my very best to not to stay too long in each stage...With so many pains I have gone through theres one thing I always put in my mind and heart...and I heard this over the radio - if things are going YOUR way ...then YOU ARE IN THE WRONG PATH....because the RIGHT way is HIS WAY...and so THY WILL BE DONE....

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  57. Danilo S. Jacinto Jr.15 July 2008 at 04:10

    Just days ago I confessed my feelings that I've been keeping for the past 7 years. I did not receive the answer I was hoping and dreaming for from her. I was too late. Of course I was hurt, but I made a decision to be happy. For the first time I am thinking of my self when it comes to what I feel. Her answer gave me the closure I needed and a big slap in the face, all in a good way. I finally understood the word "moving on". What I did was made a choice between being miserable or looking forward and believing that the story doesn't ends here.

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  58. What do you do when God seems not to answer your prayer?
    ---i was actually not as prayerful as what other people would think i am... i just graduated and started making all my dreams transform little by little into reality, in the course of fulfilling those dreams, i tired praying and making God part of my "making-my-dreams-into-reality" plan..i have never prayed as hard as i did for that career, yet i failed.... :((

    What do you do you when you get hurt, disappointed, and fail?
    ---i was so the three!!!i just remember telling my self that, "kahit naman pala mag pray ako, useless eh" i felt like doing everything praying hard and yet was never enough...i questioned Him...

    What do you do when your fondest dreams are dashed to pieces?
    ---as of the moment, that pa lang naman has been my greatest failure..

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  59. whenever i failed i just prayed hard and cling to the Lord. there are times as if he already forsaken me that i cried so desperately and even want to give up na but in his own time, there is always a purpose for everything. sooner marerealized din na what happened was because it is much better that way and you deserve something more because God will always love us more and more we can imagine.

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  60. gusto kong magaral ulet, so here i am working abroad, pero dahil sa taas ng cost of living, as well as hindi sapat yung sweldo ko para makapagipon, at maipadala at makatulong sa mga kapatid at magulang, wala pa akong sapat na pera para makapagaral ulet, ang akala ko, kapag andito na ako, makakapagipon ako, tapos makakapagaral ulet, pero matatapos na ang kontrata ko, wala pa din akong sapat na pera.I get so disappointed, lalo na sa sarili ko because at times, i feel like a failure, feeling ko I am nothing and I dont exist. feeling ko, wala akong maipagmamalaki, and of course, that hurts a lot. But one thing na hindi nawawala sakin is yung ability na after every failure is to stand up and move on, easy to say diba? pero ako, naniniwala ako na lahat ng bagay, nangyayari for a reason, and lahat ng disappointments and failures meant bigger than being sad and insane. Pero totoo, na kapag sa mga times na ganito, lalong humihigpit ung kapit natin sa panginoon, kapag naman everything is going well, nakakalimutan natin siya. nakakalungkot isipin na isa ako dun, and inaamin ko yun. pero I guess, what sets me apart is I am trying to renew my faith to HIM, as well as try my hardest best to serve him, kahit lagi akong nadadapa. at least nde ako sumusuko, nde ako umaayaw. hanggang sa alam kong worth na ako, ipagpapatuloy ko parin. Im in a place right now na hindi lahat ng tao sa paligid ko naniniwala na sakanya. pero I am sticking to my faith, and kahit anong sabihin nila, I am sticking to it.

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  61. Like so many others, it was just a simple plan. The plan was, to have a happy life. I got married in 2002 had a daughter in 2003. I was well within my plan during those early years...

    However sometime 2005, things started to go downhill. I discovered that my husband had corrupted our business, gambled away the money and did drugs...I was also in deep, deep debt. My simple plan fell apart, everything I held secure was not!

    It was the same year though, that God made His presence known to me. My friend introduced the bible study to our barkada, lo and behold, instead of drinking sessions all the time, we had time for our bible study and even finished discussing "The Purpose Driven Life."

    It is now 2008, I cannot say that everything is as it used to be... I still have a broken family, I still have debt (which I am slowly paying for) but the BIG difference is, I am living my life according to God's plan. Dark times now are not as long or hard as they used to be. I know now that God has blessed me with so much, supporting family members, a wonderful daughter and good friends.

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  62. i always would think "in God's time".

    He has His reasons why the plans aren't pushing through as planned - maybe so we can lean on Him, depend on Him and allow Him to work for our plans to push through.

    a friend of mine always say "if it's yours, it's yours."

    i believe... "if God wills it, and we pray about it and own it, it will happen."

    often in my life He has showed me that all i needed to believe that my prayers will be answered in His time. in my human capacity, i never believed it would come true after so many years. but then after a while, He would grant that prayer and it would never fail to overwhelm me. it would just hit me that He answered my prayer... only in His time.

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  63. Like most people, I always have a plan. I have plan A, B and even C. In my memory, there is only one plan which I wanted so badly that I somewhat pressed God. It did materialize but the profit/result wasn't as significant as I have calculated. Later on, as I became a "better" Christian, everytime I am to make a plan, I do it together with my spouse, call upon God first hand for guidance and kind of submit it to Him as a proposal. And guess what, He has a better or shall I say the best twist! The spinoff is astronomical, I mean out of this world! (I don't need to go in detail here right?) When one doesn't materialize, no hang ups because afterall, it's just a proposal.

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  64. I just cry hard and pray hard... until I fall asleep... the next day i will feel better and pray harder for guidance on that to do next...

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  65. I've waited since 3rd grade :) , and i guessed didn't fail to pray for a soul mate to come.... God answered my prayer. He even sent me more that what Ive asked for, tall, mestizo and handsome ... most of all the person I've prayed for to bring me closer to God:) Got engaged, blissful marriage for 3 years, lived comfortably with God's blessings of a good job and a promising successful career for both of us... to top it all, got the most prayed baby boy as our eldest! Unbeatable blessing! I was very close to my dream life of becoming a plain homemaker to my family... ala dairy creme commercial " mapiling ina" .... until God took away my anchor (and so I thought).....MY HUSBAND, BEST FRIEND , PASTORAL LEADER AND MY PROVIDER! The world crumbled, dreams shattered, future darkened! I was 9 mos pregnant to our second baby whom my husband didn't see anymore due to colon cancer..... I laid him to rest in a stretcher after giving birth to our baby girl! All in a span of ours: Life and death.... widowhood and motherhood!
    It has been 7 years! All those years I've seen how the Lord unfolded and showed me the reasons of the family tragedy.... am better , peaceful and moving on .. Couldn't have survived it if I allowed pride, temptation to question God, total submission to being alone and be susceptible to be tempted by the enemy , which I actually almost became close to depression, nervous breakdown and thought of -- suicide! Through God's grace, I have decided (consciously) instead to seek to be loved, served, helped be supported by my family and brothers and sisters in community.... they were indeed God's expression of love and mercy during those trying times! I thank God for seeing me through, providing for our needs, being true to His promise that He will take care of the widows and the orphans and granting me eyes of faith to understand , that everything will come to pass,that His grace is more than enough and that there is always a reason and greater value in every trial that come our way...... Now, I have learned to count each blessing of what life brings...the most of which are my two lovely children, a remembrance and the fruit of a beautiful love affair made in heaven. Praise you, Lord God! Your love endures forever!

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  66. ako?

    siyempre, my first reaction ay.... "o, hinde!"
    tapos, susundan ng tanong na.... "bakit?"
    na may kaakibat na mga luha.

    iiyak muna ako. (depende kung gaano ka-failure nung failure or frustration.. hehe.) i-iiyak ko ang frustrations ko, at kakausapin, ay! hindi pala kakausapin, pakikinggan pala... ayun. makikinig ako kay Lord ng puspusan.

    at dahan-dahan, unti-unti; nakita ko at nakikita ko, na yung failure pala, hindi failure, it is just victory in failure's clothing...

    frustrations are avenues for growth mga 'tol pards. :)

    at tinanggap na ng sistema ko na, mas super duper higher ang ways ni Lord kaysa sa ways ko. at super duper deeper ang wisdom ni Lord kaysa sa akin, at super duper GREATER ang plans ni Lord kaysa sa plans ko... ^_^

    ********

    "We must be ready to allow ourselves to be interrupted by God. God will be constantly crossing our paths and canceling our plans by sending us people, claims, and petitions. We may pass them by, preoccupied with more important tasks... When we do that, we pass by the visible sign of opportunity raised in our path to show us that, not our way, but God's way must be done. It is a strange fact that people frequently consider their work so important and urgent that they will allow nothing to disturb them. They think they are doing God a service in this, but actually they are disdaining God's 'crooked yet straight path'. But it is a part of the discipline of humility that we must not spare our hand where it can perform a service and that we do not assume that our schedule is our own to manage, but allow it to be arranged by God"

    -- Dietrich Bonhoeffer, German theologian, murdered by the Nazis during WWII

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  67. when my best plans don't happen??? well, initial reaction is get so,so frustrated... i agree with leevy about the DADA Syndrome. (Denial/Anger/Depression/Acceptance) but eventually get back to my senses that maybe, just maybe,something better is in store for me because each event in one's life has a reason....
    right now, we are in the midst of a financial battle....but fully trusting in God, i know everything will be alright.
    we built our dream house in 2005. me & my husband lived with my parents for almost 10years now and having a brand new dream house meant a lot to us. our loan was approved and everything went well. until one day the businesses that we put up tumbled one by one. literally like a domino, one fell after the other. clients with large amount of debts dissappeared, our construction firm collectibles became bad debts, computer shop was robbed (practically every computer unit 36 in all) , wholesale grocery store got bankrupt... we ended up below zero... i could not believe it happened to us. we would wake up in the middle of the night just crying our heart out to the Lord for help, for miracle, for a lotto jackpot! i am not a bad person... i try my best to be a good christian. why is this happening to me? i asked myself...the house was almost forclosed. God provided a buyer. everything was indeed a humbling experience. we attended the kerygma conference last year. truly, blessings flowed and i have learned to fully entrust my life to the Lord. i surrender each and every pain in my heart. i always know how to say these things before but the real meaning ... the real essence of completely trusting & surrendering... ?no...! it was just so recent that i felt it...i experienced it...i did it...! i could no longer trust people and hold on to them. so i hold on to the Lord so tight...it is during the lowest point in my life when i felt God's embrace cuddling me like a baby in his arms, yes i felt it bro.bo! the kerygma conference was the start of a new spiritual life for me and my husband. after the conference we tried our best to attend the feast every sunday, though we live a bit far from the metropolis. our spirits were nourished and flourished again.god gave me a new hope. he let me passed an exam in the u.s. two years ago, then series of exams here in the philippines. i took all in a shot (modesty aside) and i claim it all as god's grace because it has been ages since i graduated in college. i got hired by a company from the u.s. and out of the 130,000 candidates, was drawn in the lottery system of the united states citizenship and immigration services(uscis). truly when a door close lots of windows open... windows of opportunity to start a new and better life with my family in the u.s.a. i am scheduled for an interview at the u.s. embassy towards the end of the month and hoping and claiming the h1b visa stamping (u.s. working visa for me & my family). truly god has a more perfect plan for us than we do plan for our life. we should only learn to be humble, fully trust and surrender to the Lord and let Him work in our life....more often than not the process is painful but rest assured, everything will be alright!!!

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  68. years back i failed my cgfns (the nursing exam for US licensure) i really got frustrated as all of my friends have passed and on their progressive steps towards our aim of going abroad. i was so upset and shattered because im expecting much of myself. i then moved backwards and stopped planning to take another exam and try again as it really hurt me.

    after a few months my friend encouraged me to apply for an opening in UK. i refused and declined her invitation as my mind is focused of going to america. i never intended to go to london at all. but she said to me why not try, as i have nothing to lose anyway. so then with much persuasion, i went to the agency with one of my friends and it did came to me very quick. after a month, i have been confirmed to go to london as soon as the license and papers have been processed. 7 months later i flew to london, unfortunately my best friend didn't.

    i gained my confidence and then tried to take the US licensure exams again. and it just came naturally...i passed three exams and have acquired my US license. then work came in to find me through an email while i was in the phils for a vacation saying that they will conduct an interview in london. lucky enough, the schedule for the interview was a few days after ive gone back and fortunate that i was on my days off as well.

    speed as light, after two weeks, i got the confirmation that i have been hired for dallas and they will start my papers to process. although it will take sometime as there is retrogression with uscis. i am still waiting now...

    but from that point of my life came a very profound realization of how good God is. true that it is on his time that things will happen accordingly. yes, i had few more frustrations as days go by, but i always hold to on to my faith that these things happen for a reason and on God's purposes. I might not know the purpose at this time but i know that it will soon be revealed. and i believe that he will catch me if ever i fall.

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  69. when things don't happen the way i planned it, sometimes i blame myself, then put the blame on others and then "why God?" when things get difficult, i'd rather run away from it than face the problem...instead of running to God, i stayed away from Him...but no matter how i ignored Him, He has His way of letting me know that He's there...He has His way of getting my attention back to Him....I am not diligent in praying, i have sinned many times, i've made promises to him but broke it after a day...sometimes, i feel like i don't deserve him but everyday He gives me a reason to feel otherwise...things may not always happen my way, bu i believe that He never goes wrong with His way...

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  70. At times when things don't go according to plan, i feel really frustrated. i get depressed for a while. cry my eyes out. vent out my frustrations to God. ask the question that sums up everything i feel- "Why, God?!".

    Failure/setbacks are hard to accept especially if you feel you've done all you can to make everything fall into place; when you feel you've made all the right decisions; when you've made a lot of sacrifices.

    There's a saying "When it rains, it pours". Problems happen and they sometimes come when you least expect it and pile up til you almost drown in them. I experienced that last year. I lost my job, my hopes of having a relationship with someone, my independence. My family life was in shambles. I almost gave up on myself and on my faith in God.

    Thank God for my mother, my sisters in the community, my friends. They helped me during my most trying times. And I felt God guiding me during these times. Despite my depression, i knew what i was supposed to do. i had to forego all my plans of going abroad because of my previous job. but because i lost my job, i could now pursue these plans. my mother also found a job abroad so she could support the family for now and my financial needs to apply abroad. I passed all my exams and found a good employer who will get me to the US soon.

    I have forgotten how much I had wanted to work abroad. God reminded me and gave me the chance to realize that dream. God really knows your heart's desires, I now have this feeling of certainty that i'm where i'm supposed to be, i'm walking the path that i'm supposed to take. The failure was a blessing in disguise. it gave me the chance to have a better life for my family and myself. i'm now looking forward to my new life abroad. i have faith that God will fulfill all my other dreams. He has my best interests at heart. i just have to open myself to his will.

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  71. When my best plan don't happen I normally feel sad, mope a bit...cry and get frustrated...i will linger on it for an hour or so...then share it with my husband and ponder on it...most of the time ask for God's guidance and wisdom for me to understand and truly accept the pain and failure of it. There was one time that my emotion got the better of me that I did blame God and cried a lot (i feel ashamed of this). Then it dawned on me that things will get better and it is not yet time. I felt bad and say sorry to God for even blaming Him for it. My husband and I has been together for 3 years now and still we do not have our first baby...we have been praying for it that even the ministry is with us in prayer for the gift of child. Every month that i get my period we both get disappointed. But as I always pray that He continuously assure us that it will come in His perfect time then that is the time that I feel ok and become more hopeful...It is good to sometimes realize that things are not the way as we want it...as we in the ministry will always say..."Our ways are not His ways, and His ways are not always our way...but be assured that whatever His will for us will always be for our best...Jer 29:11." And i will always hold on to that promise...

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  72. I do react(sometimes emotionally) and ask why things happened that way at first.I entertain doubts and say I don't deserve this But at the end of the day I just realized that there is a purpose for everything that comes in our life.God has always a better plan for us.
    "In His time, He makes all things beautiful.."
    "..and a seed must die to let a flower live..."
    ;;;it takes fire to make gold.."
    "Kaya pala mayroong dapithapon ay mayroon ding umaga"
    Be inspired.Don't give up.
    When God closes the door,He will surely opens a window.
    Continue inspiring us Bro.Bo.
    Cheers!

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  73. My ultimate plan in life is to have a family of my own that i'll take good care of and will grow old with. So on that day when my 5-year relationship ended, i just thought it's the end of that plan, that dream! I was angry and sad and frustrated and question God why it has to happen to me and it ended like that so badly. I had given so much to make the relationship work and to get it that far.

    But during that difficult time, that's when i realized how much God loves me. HE was there all the way until i completely accepted and understood what happened and why it has to happen. I just hanged on to HIM for strength and learn to just lift up to HIM the sadness and pain that i felt. Because of it I found a strength in me that i never knew i had. And now i know i can hurdle any problem, big or small, that will come my way because HE will always be there to help me get through.

    And i know HE has better plans for me, i bet the best plan there is. Besides, when i lost my boyfriend, HE gave me a lot of "boy friends" in return. Friends who really cares and just accept me for who I am never expect me to be someone else i'm not. I'm still single but i'm truly happy with my life and so blessed for that matter...

    When my plans doesn't go my way, it's okey because HE got something else big in store for me.

    Godbless you Bro. Bo, you are such an inspiration for me to become a better person on this earth.

    P.S. This is my first time to write to you and it feels good!

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  74. I’ve been through a lot of failures already. Most of them happened because I didn’t plan well. But the pain is harder to bear when you know you prepared hard for it, you sacrificed a lot of things for it… then after a while you find out that what you want can never happen.

    Just to give you an idea, I am a member of the NBSB…No Boyfriend Since Birth. I am 30 years old by the way (Okay…I like to believe my mom when she said I am pretty).

    I was depressed when what I prayed, wished and hoped for didn’t happen. I sacrificed a lot of things for a man hoping that he will finally have the courage to admit to me that he has feelings for me (Let me defend myself and him a bit…he told my close friend that we have this “MU” thing already). But he denied me to our co-workers, avoided me, and stopped communicating with me, far different from what we normally do before. It led me to pray and ask God, why. I searched for His answers until one Sunday I attended mass. During the homily, the priest talked about the fears, anxieties and worries that we have especially when it concerns our future. Then he said “God is in control of your life.” Those words are so powerful. It made me realize that even if my wishes didn’t come true, God is still in control…He is still holding my hand.

    I am not ashamed to admit that I was in total depression before because I learned to rise again. I learned to forgive myself and the people who have caused me pain. I have learned not to expect too much. I learned to accept that it’s alright to be 30 and a member of NBSB. I have learned to communicate with God more.

    By the way, I’m determined to correct my mistakes. I am reading “How to Find Your True Love.”

    P.S.:
    Brother Bo, I am not a book-reader. But when I started reading “Simplify Your Life,” it made me crave for more of your books. I have read 3 of your best sellers already. I am almost finished with the 4th. Thank you so much for inspiring us, for being a part of the great changes in our lives!!! May God bless you, your family, staff, organizations, supporters and everybody from your group always!

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  75. Sometimes, the best answer is "to let go"... because God always has the best plans for us. I got Palawan and Singapore/Netherland stories to back up my claim! =)

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  76. Braveheart The Cat15 July 2008 at 14:18

    *WHAT DO YOU WHEN GOD SEEMS NOT TO ANSWER YOUR PRAYER? - I continue praying. As they say, persistence. :) Maybe when God has had enough of me, He would say "Okay, okay... prayer granted... happy?" :)

    *WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU GET HURT, DISAPPOINTED, AND FALL? - Before, I would just cry. Well, sometimes I indulge on my farvorite comfort food like ice cream. Now, I still cry and still "treat" myself to sweets but I usually seek God's comfort and grace through prayer before I retire at night. :)

    *WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOUR FONDEST DREAMS ARE DASHED TO PIECES? - I find another dream or goal. I reason, "Okay, if that one doesn't work, maybe this one will." I have always find it difficult to discern what God's plan is. So whenever a dream or goal is crushed, I just try to make new ones and hopefully they're the ones God drew on my page. It's sometimes tiring but as they say, quitter never win, so I just keep going.

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  77. I cry. Yup that's what I do because it's only through tears that I am able to express my frustrations primarily. A mixture of catharsis would complete that too. But in the end, I would realize that it is one of those times that I need to be more silent because I know God is telling me something. It's a be-still-and-know-that-i-am-God moment for me so I need to just let go of my human self and allow Him to take charge.

    I believe in waiting and hoping in silence. And when things don't turn out the way I wanted it to be, I would still continue to wait and hope in the Lord.

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  78. I have always believed that whatever happens in my dreams and plans, God would always have far better dreams and far better plans for me than I could ever imagine. And 4 years ago, because I was so inspired in this belief, I even made my own aphorism on it: "When untoward things happen, be thankful. It may be out of your plans but very much according to His."

    God bless!

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  79. this is fun! thanks brother bo for empowering us to share our experiences and allow us to learn from each other as well and not merely be passive readers. anyway, when my plan don't work out, i get really really disappointed and frustrated because as for my case, most often than not, I usually make things happen the way I planned it. But I think the best help we could get is to surrender our frustrations and disappointments to God and trust in His love that He has a better plan for us. Just to share, I read this email once wherein a person has to rush to another place but was delayed by non-working elevators, colleague who suddenly needed something, and then the person wasn't able to make it all where he is supposed to go. Then after some time he received a news that the place he was supposed to go to had a fire incident. this just exemplifies that God places us where we ought to be because His plans are always better and we always have to trust this or we miss other greater opportunities He presents right before our very eyes.

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  80. hi bo! i guess people will always have frustrations...its part of human nature...but the thing is how do we face this when our plans done happen...

    well let me share with you one of my very personal experience in life...that is with my marriage...after 3 months of giving birth to my 1st child my husband and i decided that we get to live here in ormoc with my parents and try our luck here for a job....it pushes through...but he then decided to go back to manila to look for a work and , ofcourse live with his parents for the mean time....but after 7 months of our child he did not communicated with us anymore...well...to make the story short we parted ways...it was really hard on my part coz were married and have a son...i dont know how to face things...who doesnt want to have a happy family together...a happy life for my child...i was so frustrated and disappointed...i thought everything will not be ok.... but hen i just prayed and prayed every day...that GOD will give me strength and the courage to face this situation....and HE did .... i felt peace inside me...in my mind...in my heart....later on i learned to forgive my ex-husband....and just moved on with my life with my son (who is now 6 years old) .... im working now as a college dean in one of the well known college in computers here in the country....and YES...im so blessed...GOD never left my side...i know and felt HE was with me all though out...

    frustrations and disappointments will always be there once our plans did not come through...but i always stay and see on the positive side of things and life...coz i know GOD has better plans for me....for us....so i just leave things with HIM...ask him guidance every day...on my decisions...choices and plans...and if it is will....it will be done....AMEN.....

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  81. what i do?

    umiyak sa Dios.

    eto kasi yung mga pagkakataon na mas kelangan ko lalong kumapit, magtiwala.

    tapos tatayo. lalakad pasulong.
    kaholding hands si Lord.

    Let Go and Let God.
    tao ako.
    at Dios Siya.

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  82. Hi tito bo. well, a part of me stopped believing in making plans in my life... because it's frustrating!! something always comes on my way... and at my age, I haven't reached even half of what I plan. Almost every month, the so-called CHANGES in my life changes my course of life / plans as well. Is my explanation too complicated?
    Anyway, I still continue to pray that God surely knows what He is doing. I just sometimes wish He that when tells me what to do or leads me the way, He makes his voice a little louder. Hehehe. Just kidding.
    Thank you and more power.

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  83. I'm a hot-headed person and always get frustrated if something’s wrong or if I didn't get what I want.

    What I do?

    I talk to my bes and tell her what I’m getting frustrated at.
    I always say "yes bes i do understand" but in myself I don't know how to handle my frustration in life.

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  84. I used to be the Personnel Manager of a big multinational company, listed among the country's Top 100 Corporations. We've got more than 3,000 employees. I was powerful, secured, well paid. I liked it.

    then from out of the blue came a global merger with a much bigger company. Our company closed down; we got eaten up. Everybody got fired, and I did all the firing. Then on the last day, I myself got fired. Not a single employee was left. the other company just took over. Period.

    How did I react to that terrible event?

    I prayed and prayed hard. And I helped as many of our ex-employees as possible. I contacted my friends in other companies to accept our displaced employees. I helped them make great resumes. I taught them how to hurdle job interviews. I taught them all the tricks of the trade, as I used to be the one interviewing applicants.

    And all those time I kept on praying for my family. And God did not turn a deaf ear to my cries for help.

    God gave me another job in another company.

    God bless.

    Rey Ortega

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  85. On June 8, 2002, during the birthday of my sister, just more than seven months after our wedding, my husband and I learned that I was pregnant. We were so happy that we hugged, jumped and danced with joy.

    Later that month during a prenatal check-up, my doctor ordered me to undergo an ultrasound. We learned that I have an ectopic pregnancy. My mother and I were crying in a telephone conversation. She told me that I would die if I will not undergo an operation. But in my heart, I know that I don't want to do that because it will kill my baby.

    My husband and I cried and prayed that night. I remembered that I told God that I want His help. I don't want to be the one to kill my baby. My husband and I asked for His grace and for His will to be done.

    The next day I still worked, but I found out later in the morning that I was already bleeding. My doctor advised me to go to the emergency room immediately. Then, I told my superior of my condition, even though he had an important visitor at that time.

    Before the operation, my husband and I prayed. We lifted everything to Him. You know, after our prayer, I had peace. And after the operation, I asked my doctor regarding my baby. They could not find the fetus!

    I think, in His goodness and mercy, He caused the fetus to be flushed out of me when I was bleeding. When I was inside the CR, I saw this big blood clot. I instinctively blessed it and gave it a name, Angel.

    And, I hope Angel is with God praying for us right now.

    Later, I would cry if I would see a baby, and my husband would comfort me. God, in His goodness, has blessed us with two daughters right now.

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  86. when things don't turn out the way I planned it, i try again, but when it fails the 2nd time around, I normally learn to accept things and move on. There is no better way to deal with frustrations but to accept what has failed, be content and move on.

    Failure is always a blessing in disguise. :D

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  87. The best is yet to come. Continue in believing and trusting God. Cheers! :)

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  88. hi brother bo.
    thank you for this. i have always wanted to do this. to share my thoughts and to learn from others too.
    i hope this could help. (kulang ka pa ba ng sharer sa didache..joke lang)
    when i was in high school, i used to think i was God's favorite (i still feel that I am...we all are HIs favorite)...everything went well. When i joined a community and heard their sharings, i'd ask God, "Lord, ang bibigat naman ng problema nila ang babata pa nila"...ako walang mashare.
    I was too stupid or innocent that i prayed na "Lord sana meron rin akong problemang mashare"...ok so this is not innocence..it is stupidity...careful what you pray for...
    well, of course trials come to everybody and in my innocence (ulit), i thought i have received the trials because i asked for them.
    at one time, a speaker said, when you pray, it should be specific. that's what i did...i imagine and tell God exactly what i wanted/needed and how i wanted them to come...and since i am God's favorite, He gave them to me.
    It was when i got married and had kids that trials were harder to handle..Lord, diba favorite mo ako? Why are things going from bad to worse? My son was always sick. There was a time, people in the hospital said, I looked familiar (no, am not famous) i was almost always in the hospital because of my sons health.
    i asked God why this could be happening? I could not believe that a loving God could give us problems...
    I realized that the problems where not from God. Most are of our own doing. OUr God is a loving God. He is not a punishing God.
    in my opinion, saying "binigyan ako ni Lord ng trial" is not right...He allows us to go through it to learn from it but I believe He doesn't give it. OUr God can only give what is good.
    So, what do i do when my plans fail? My plans fail when i do it on my own. They don't fail when i ask God for His Will. my prayer is that i may recognize HIs will and that i may have the will to obey.
    The reason why failure doesn't hurt much now is because i know and accept that it was not really meant for me and that God,Who is All knowing, will give me only the best.
    I trust Him and hindi ko pinipilit ang gusto ko...
    hope that God's perfect Will is about to come makes me accept and acceptance lessens the hurt.

    God bless you!

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  89. Marami ng naibigay sakin si Lord at yung ibang hindi ibinigay (mas marami siguro :D) sinsabi ko na lang sa sarili ko na hindi talaga yon para sakin. Na may iba Siyang plano para sakin. Pero hindi ko din maiwasan na magtanong na "Lord, kung hindi ito para sakin, ano ba talaga ang para sakin? At meron ba talaga para sakin? At kung meron man, kailan, anong petsa na po?"

    Meron akong pinagdasal sa kanya ng sobra. Sobrang-sobra pero hindi niya ibinigay yon. Na-depressed ako. Sobrang negative ang naging epekto non sakin. Kasi para na rin niyang tinuldukan ang pangarap ko. Later naisip ko yung sinabi niya na "kung nakasara ang pinto, bubuksan ko ang bintana." Parang papasukin kita pero wag ka dyan sa pinto dumaan, dito ka sa bintana. Parang sige, ibibigay ko ang pangarap mo pero wag sa paraang gusto mo kundi sa paraang sa tingin ko ay mas makakabuti sayo.

    Kadalasan naman hindi natin alam kung ano ba talaga ang mga bagay na nagpapaligaya satin ng totoo. Kung iisipin mong magiging maligaya ka pag marami ka ng pera sa bangko, pag nangyari na sayo yon marerealize mo hindi karin pala masaya. Halimbawa, panagrap mong itira sa mansyon ang nanay mo. Dumating ang araw na nagkamansyon ka pero wala na ang nanay mo. Oo may mansyon ka nga pero natupad mo ba talaga ang pangarap mo? Hindi. Kasi hindi naman talaga yung mansyon ang pangarap mo kundi yung bigyan ng kaligayahan ang nanay mo. Pero ang totoo din yan hindi rin yung mansyon ang makapagpapasaya sa nanay mo kundi yung isiping ang anak niya ay may narating sa buhay.

    Sa tingin ko may hobby si Lord na kung ano yung wala sa wishlist mo ay iyon ang ibibigay sayo. Halimbawa you asked for a toy robot and you received a toy car. Eh ang dami mo ng toycar. Para lang marealized later na nagiging robot pala yung toycar. Sasabihin sayo ngayon ni Lord, "Angal ka nang angal eh mas maganda pa nga yang binigay ko sayo." Tameme ka ngayon.

    Ah ewan ko. Sabi ko kay Lord, bahala na kayo sakin. Tutal kahit ano namang pilit ko sa gusto ko, pag hindi nya will, kahit magben tambling ako wala din. Tutal, sa lahat, Siya ang nakakilala sakin kaya Siya rin ang nakaaalam ng mga bagay na makapagpapasaya sakin ng totoo. At alam ko naman na gusto nyang maging masaya ako.

    May our dreams come true (Bo, pahiram ng linya).

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  90. margarita cruz15 July 2008 at 23:27

    "Let Go, Let God."

    Some say it's cliché.. you may say the same..
    but then have you really tried it?
    No, not you Bo, I AM SURE YOU DO IT EVERY TIME! c",

    Me? Every time I get the chance, i ponder upon doing it.. letting go, and letting God.

    PONDERING PA NGA LANG HIRAP NA E!

    Yes... Ye men of little faith..

    But thank God for the angels He sends.. encouraging to let go..

    "Let go of your own plan.. and see God's Plan being laid out right before your eyes.."

    it's difficult to see God's plan when i am feeling all the angst and frustration just after a blow. that's why i need to remember, I CAN LET GO.

    and when i finally do, it gets clear..
    HIS PLAN IS DEFINITELY BETTER THAN MY OWN.

    "That in all things, God may be glorified!"

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  91. when i get frustrated or things doesn't seem to go my way of course i cried a lot its my way of making things a little bit easier especially when i can't really bear the pain. I pray asking God about so many things; why life is so unfair i even got to a point where i got mad at him. Im sure he understood why i feel that way and didn't got mad at me the way i did.I remember what my friend says about mother teresa (she's a nun by the way, i got to know her while listening in a radio station) she said "do you know that God give this only to his close friends"at first i was happy cause i don't know that god considered me as one of his close friend but later i realized that sana hindi na lang kmi close para hindi na nangyayari sa 'kin to...same words that mother teresa said.4yrs ago i'm still a fresh graduate from college at that time,starting to build my dreams that is being part of the red cross that's the only reason why i attended their 1 week seminar.But after that seminar i didn't got the chance to pursue my dreams cause my uncle had a stroke that makes him bed ridden up to now.I'm still the one taking care of him.Then march 2006 my aunt was diagnosed with colon cancer she passed away april 2007 , that same month my younger sister got an accident while my aunt was in the hospital, hit and run in particular.That was really hard for the family.Despite everything that happened we didn't lose our faith in God it even draw us closer to him.One thing i've learned,just learn to accept everything good or bad especially when its beyond your control believe me it will be much easier.Just keep on praying and never lose your faith...

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  92. Once again, thank you for not getting tired of sharing God's love to us.
    My answer to your questions:

    What do you do when God seems not to answer your prayer?
    I like the story of the mountaineer who fell off the cliff hanging on a rope tied to his waist and can't see nothing because it's dark. He asked the Lord to save him. And God said 'Cut the rope.' He said 'Are you sure Lord?' He wanted to listen to the Lord but he's afraid he might die because he knows how high the mountain is. So he clinged to the rope tighter. He ended up frozen to death just one meter above the ground. Sometimes this happens to me. When I have unansweres prayers, my initial reaction is to hold on to the rope and unwilling to let go. But sooner, I just let the Lord do his plans for me, and let go.

    What do you do you when you get hurt, disappointed, and fail? I cry, sob, wail, and I nurture the feeling of being hurt and disappointed. After a while, I bow down in prayer and surrender everything to the Lord.
    What do you do when your fondest dreams are dashed to pieces? Like the man who kept knocking to ask for bread from his neighbor, I too keeps asking the Lord, please, please, please. This is my dream, let me have it. please please please. Until finally, I give up. Maybe this is not meant to be. And I ask the Lord for wisdom to understand and accept my fate.

    What Do You Do When Your Best Plans Don’t Happen? I plan again. Like the soldiers going to a battle, have a plan B or plan C. and in every plan, I tell the Lord, this is what I want but if this is not in accordance to your will, then be the one to do plan D.

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  93. i always read your blogs and even watch the kerygma videos here on the internet since im wasnt there in the phils thanks for sharing it with us through the net.

    i got frustrated and been hurt not just once nor twice. life is not that easy for me and my family, my father left us with his mistress eight years ago i was shattered and other family members too especially my mom. we never expected it, even in our mere dreams we never thought that it will happenned. but it did happened!

    sometimes i do asked GOD why this things didnt go beyond to what i wanted it to be?? BUT, (i would like to emphasize that but) though sometimes i do asked HIM, after asking him it ended with a PRAYER to give me more understanding to understand HIS plans and will, to guide me so that in despite of difficulties i can still see the right path to take and strength to overcome those and always remember that after the long night theres always a bright tomorrow waiting!

    in short, i PRAY to HIM coz if i will be against HIM who will be there for me?? have a blessed day to everyone hope that i can share something out of my simple comment ^_^

    Godbless!

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  94. when by best plans ( or any ) don't work out right, i usually stop for a while and go over the things that happened. there are times when i see it through but many at times it is so hard to try and start all over again. i don't seem to quit until it works well.until i found out that there are some points that i need to let go such as those which i thought are as good as they are meant to be....

    after moments of reflection and silence, i've had a better state of accepting all that has transpired that all the while i thought are really the best for me..

    many at times it is really hard to understand why this and that fails inspite of the effort and planning...

    yet on the latter point i see it this way: it is not only i who is involved in executing the plan/, there are others, too; along the way of executing the plan changes really occur that affects the way it is done and many of these occurrences are often beyond my control ; my ways are not perfect because i , too like you is limited; some plans fail because they are meant to ; and the most significant of it all is that my plan somehow is not what HE plans for me that is why each time a plan of mine fails... i try another one or wait for the proper time for it to be done...there is always a time for everything...

    May the LORD be praised through this piece!

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  95. pag frustrated ako i just pray & sing GOD will make away.

    GOD will make a way
    Whether seems to be no way
    He works in ways we cannot see
    He will make a way for me

    He will be guide
    Hold me closely to his side
    With love & strength for each new day
    He will make a way.


    GOD bless all.

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  96. isa ako sa mga tao na masyadong complicated ang buhay hiwalay sa asawa at may anim na anak at ang nakakatulong ko sa pagtaguyod ng aking pamilya ay aking pangalawang anak na babae isa sa mga depession ko sa buhay ay pagkakaroon ng iresponsableng asawa hiniling ko sa Dios ang pagbabago nya pero hanggang ngayon di pa sinagot pero sabi nila ito yun nagpapatatag sa akin para lubos na magtiwala sa Dios lalong kumapit sa Kanya dahil pinangarap ko ng magkaroon ng isang maayos na married life sa ngayon sa mga anak ko naman panganay na lalaki na parang nagrerebelde dahil nga sa sitwasyon ng buhay namin na broken family nga pero ang lahat ng ito ay isinusuko ko na sa Dios alam sa aking mga panalangin ay magkakaroon ako ng kaligayahan na magmumula sa Kanya sabi nga in His time at nagpapasalamat nga ako at nasumpungan ko ang ministry mo bro. bo parang ito yung naging outlet ko sa buhay na nagbigay sa akin ng katatagan na magtiwala at manalig sa Diyos nainspired ako ng labis sa mga email mo sa akin at naeenlighten ako sa mga nababasa ko rin mga comments ng mga taong nakababasa rin ng mga ipinadadala mong suolfood at regular listener din ako ng radio program mong gabay.more power and God bless.

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  97. When my best plans are failure of course it is natural to feel hurt, depressed and frustrated. But during this time I am most closer to God, I will talked to Him and reflect.
    There are things that I learned...

    1. If things aren't working the way you are planning it, then God has a better plan if not the best. i would remind myself to be patient, God has a better plan.

    2. It's ok to be depress, disappointed, discourage and be frustrated but only for a while. Remember happiness is a choice as well as the opposite, choose to be happy.

    3. There are people who loves you who are also hurt seeing you hurt. If you can be happy for yourself atleast be happy for them.

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  98. When I get frustrated, I lash out. I cry, I scream, I panic and let the frustration out of me. Usually, I just want all the emotions out of me. Then, I pause, reflect on what happen, talk to God regarding my feelings and what becomes of my "plans". And, then I surrender! I just surrender to his power. Its amazing that once He really is control, everything works out seamlessly.

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  99. When I get hurt, frustrated and feel that God has not answered my prayers, I allow myself to feel the pain. During those times, when I pray, I let out all my frustrations to the Lord. I always tell Him: Lord, nagtatampo ako sa yo, na hurt ako, I don't know what to do now. Hold my hand and let me feel Your presence. I don't rationalize or repeatedly think over what happened when I am still emotional because it will get me nowhere. Everyday when I feel the hurt of frustration, I just pray: Lord, hold me. For me, this usually shortens the "grieving period". And when I am more calm, I pray: Lord, now what?
    But through the years, I have learned that the most important thing to do when I plan is to plan with the Lord. I present all my plans to Him and ask Him to enlighten me if it does not mesh with His plans for me. That way, when things don't work out the way "I" wanted it, it doesn't hurt that much because I know then that there is something more beautiful in store for me.

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  100. Dear Bro. Bo,

    Me again. I already submitted my comment this morning but I want to sum up the lesson I learned.

    When misfortune happens, I pray and pray a lot. Then I get deppressed, I get out of deppression, and decisively move to help others who suffer similarly. That formula works.

    A cancer patient prays hard and gets deppressed. But it would be great if he reaches out to other cancer patients, share their grief and cheer them up and find ways on how he can help fellow cancer patients.

    Just like your story of Annalyn last Sunday. She is wretchedly poor. But when another poor person asked for her help, she still managed to reach out and help. God could not help but smile!

    Thanks again Bo for really inspiring us all. God bless.

    rey ortega

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  101. Hi Bro Bo,

    What i usually do when best my plans don't work out is that I make the most out of it... Although I get frustrated and complain alot at the start but in the end try to work it out anyway... I'd like to believe that we will have the ways and means to make the most of each situation, and I always put to mind that everything happens for a purpose and although I will not understand for now or a longer period of time that experience will be useful.. Its a cliche but in my experience I've really proven it 99% of the time that is really for a purpose... Whether it is for a skill that you to learn fast, or a lesson, or just a way of God telling you "hey don't work too much allow me to do it for you in an appropriate time and in a different of approach"..
    It's really often hard to accept things which are not of our desire, but eventually we learn alot from them and in the future now how to avoid and use those lessons.. Also the support of our families, friends and community is a very great way of moving on and having support..

    Thanks Bro Bo for being w/ us all...

    very trully yours,
    Jake Bere

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  102. For me, I can not say that my plan is the best. It is still God who knows what is best for us. I just lift to up to Him, that He give me what is best for us. I only ask guidance and wisdom from Him, for me to understand His will, and may His will be done!

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  103. i cried if i have plan na gustong gusto ko mangyari ngayon at di natupad but then i tried to have more positive attitude and continued praying na ibigay na ni God yung matagal ko ng hinihiling hanggang makulitan si Lord, sabi nga be like a child :) hwag ka magsawa ng kahihinge.
    Every year i make a wish list and out of 7 wishes ibinibigay Nya yung 6 kung request :) and i had two major request last year at isa lang sa dalawang major request ang natupad yan ay yung makakuha ako ng bhay at lupa in affordable price dhil ako ang bread winner sa amin at wala ako katuwang sa mga gastusin dahil nagrerent rin ako ng apartment, i applied through Pag ibig housing loan and God is good last may 29 natake out na yung bahay and any day from now pwede na akong mag transfer at ang pamilya ko sa bagong bhay. I still have one major request this year and i know in my heart my father would grant that request soon and i patiently wait though matagal minsan ung response pero kapag binigay na ni god worth talaga at walang mapaglagyan ng saya.

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  104. I get sad but at the same time I pray to God to help me understand the reasons why my plans isn't happening.

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  105. When all else fails, when I know that I did everything that I could, and I just couldn't take it anymore, I cry, cry, cry and cry in my prayer time. I talk to God. I ask Him to take all the pain and frustrations away and help me to hang on. I just lift it all up to Him. The first thing that I always pray for is to have more patience and acceptance for things that are yet to come. Honestly, it does come to a point where I just ask Him to end my life. It will be so much easier and faster. But every morning, I still wake up. I still manage to face another day. I guess because He just wants me to wait, "Steady ka lang dyan", as some people say. Ultimately, His will will be done. He's still the one in charge.

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  106. Good day Brother Bo..
    What do you do when your best plans dont happen?
    The question really touches me..
    5 months ago I'm on my spritual challenge..
    I will tell you my story. I'm working abroad and ive requested my sister here for work too, after she graduated her college she didnt have luck to find any job so when the chances came to her she grab it, thinking for almost many years you have no achievements for yourself is a really bad thing, and now the chance came for her made something uplift her heart for her dreams come true, after 1 year of processing and until the time all papers where finally approved, life is great and good for her,and thanking GOD that after all this years of waiting HE finally answered all her prayers..
    But we didnt really know what the GOD's plan for us, you know what BO? one day my sister called me she said she will undergo surgery for a cyst found in her left breast. We didnt stop praying BO for her. But the biopsy result is an early stage of breast cancer and need for a breast operation. After knowing it, I dont know what to do, I cried hard for my sister, she even dont know what to do, everything turns down for her, she doesnt want to live that time, she cried all day before surgery and my parents dont even know how to do for her misery.
    All the while for my silent, i do my prayer, i asked GOD why? i cried for HIM why my sister? after all the plans.. the preparation.. the dreams.. why all this things happen? after it, one realization came to me, this is not HE's plan, HE has other plan which we should wait. I dont stop talking to my sister for this, everytime i talked to her she cried.. she is physically,emotionally,spiritually and psychologically down. My parents and I dont stop praying and never blamed GOD to what happen to her, and she admits to me she stop believing there is GOD. And everytime I heard that for her, I get sad but I never stop uplifting her faith that GOD didnt want you like this, but HE knows theres a better plan for you and lets wait.
    After one month of surgery, everthing gets fine, results for biopsy again get negative for tumor all over the breast that taken from her.. we never stop praying and giving her advices and keeping her close to GOD.. after 2 months things get back to normal and one day she said she want to go to church! Bo believe me what i heard makes my whole heart full of happiness, I want her to get close to GOD again thats my prayer and it happens just an unexpected day...
    Now, she didnt think of work anymore, eventhough what will happen for her future, she's just giving all plans to GOD, and so as me.. after all financial worries i have now after her surgery to save her life, i never get upset for that, the family now still live life to its fullest for we understand and kept it in our hearts everthing that happens to us is a GOD's plan to test our faith. For every body who will read my story-- just always kept this: If GOD answer your prayer, HE is increasing your faith, if HE delays He is just increasing your patience and if HE doesnt answer it , HE is preparing the best for you... GOD bless BO and GOD bless us ALL.

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  107. God answer our calls in his wisdom which sometimes beyond the apprehension of our human mind. I met a woman with stage 4 cancer while driving a taxi. What worries her most are the children she will leave behind. I have nothing to say about her plight except suggesting to join our charismatic group to make peace with God. To make the story short, she joined and was completely healed, but after 2 years the cancer came back and God took her away. It is quite mind buggling but in the 2 years God has given her, they as a family was able to know God intimately. Her husband and children were able to understand and accept her passing away.
    This is indeed an extreme scenario, but it looks like the depth of our relationship with God will determine what will be our reaction if ever any of our best plans don't materialize.

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  108. its really hard...i always asked Him
    if i failed in something on of my important plan.
    i don't talk others and i just want to be alone and talk to Him.
    why are they happening to me.
    often times, when i am hurt, disappointed and
    my prayer don't have answers
    i felt guilty, and ask myself if i did something bad on the eyes of Him. and also ask "am i don't deserve for something i ask for?"
    i always talk to Him and ask what should i do for this and that...
    as of now, i am looking for a job and i asked for His guidance.

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  109. My husband was a Vietnam Vet and when he get back here in States,he asked for help because he got some sever health problems which were war related. Unfortunately he was rejected. He got so mad and he lived in Vietnam then to the Philippines for 15 years and never paid taxes. Four years ago, he decided to come back to States with us (me and the children). since he haven't filed taxes, I applied or tourist and was denied 4 times, yes four times. That time i was asking God, why? I may have not understand it, but I realized that He has better plans for me. If He granted me a visa to come here as tourist, my husband would have never struggled to pay his taxes where it will be causing me big trouble here. and secondly, that time, I wasn't that prepared to handle everything..... being a full time mother, handling the business back in the Philippines, taking care of my husband and do all the household chores (where in the Philippines I have 4 helpers and a driver) and the difference in culture and people. I was glad to know that He has been watchning and guiding me all the time. praise the Lord!

    Joy C.

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  110. hi,
    lahat naman tayo may mga problema,iba-iba nga lang yung bigat pero sabi nga diba, di naman magbibigay ng problema si Lord kung di natin kaya. Just wanna share this to everyone, a reminder to never ever quit!

    Don't give up.....
    One day I decided to quit...
    I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality... I wanted to quit my life.
    I went to the woods to have one last talk with God.
    "God", I asked, "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?"
    His answer surprised me...
    "Look around", He said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?"
    "Yes", I replied.
    "When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them.
    I gave them light.
    I gave them water.
    The fern quickly grew from the earth.
    Its brilliant green covered the floor.
    Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.
    In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful.
    And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo. He said.
    "In year three there was still nothing from the bamboo seed.
    But I would not quit.
    In year four, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed. I would
    not quit." He said.
    "Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared
    to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant...But just 6
    months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall.
    It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive.
    I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle."
    He asked me. "Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots".
    "I would not quit on the bamboo.
    I will never quit on you."
    "Don't compare yourself to others."
    He said.
    "The bamboo had adifferent Purpose than the fern.
    Yet they both make the forest beautiful."
    "Your time will come", God said to me.
    "You will rise high"
    "How high should I rise?"
    I asked.
    "How high will the bamboo rise?" He asked in return.
    "As high as it can?" I questioned.
    "Yes." He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can."
    I left the forest and brought back this story.
    I hope these words can help you see that God will never give up on you.
    Never, Never, Never Give up.
    For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity.
    Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is,
    tell the problem how Great the Lord is!



    Best Regards,

    --JM--

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  111. I cried a lot "when my best plan don't happen" several years back. I planned for a simlpe life with a simple family but I never got it, it was far different from what I have expected. Now I understand that God had another plan for me thought it was rough and stormy but I learn to accept what are His plans for my life. I surrender to His will " they will be done" I went through a lot of pain, frustrations but still I am hoding on and I know He knows that I am struggling. My faith and trust to Him is even more stronger than before.

    We are here not by chance but according to His own purpose and plan. Its true " let go and let GOD"

    With Him together our life will be a blessed one.

    Thank you so much Bro. Bo. YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION. Please keep on praying for all the people around the world.

    God bless you.

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  112. Hi. Im Buds from Iloilo. Sir Bo, Ive been teaching about Nursing but Im so happy I can relate and interject your teachings & preachings in class.

    In relation to frustrations, I learned these:
    1. When I was in High School, I was one of the top 5, my parents, wanted me to be a valedictorian pressured me..until it took a toll on me. Frustration & Depression. But I prayed...I Pray, to be one of the honor students, not for my parents, not for anybody else, but for Me. Although Im just a 7th placer, I have started to love ME.
    2. One of my classmates said, "Life is a wheel, Pag there are times of difficulties, know that the wheel will turn and you will also experience happiness."
    3. I love my husband in saying this. Before we got married a in our beach "civil" wedding, Ive read in magazines, "There is no such thing as a perfect wedding". So I told him that. And my husband replied, "Yes, but it can be perfect in our eyes..." So without any EXPECTATIONS, no pressure, no blame, no pointing fingers. The wedding was great and people who weren't invited envied for not being there.

    LESSON LEARNED:
    dont expect too much. sometimes expectations can aggravate causing other negative feelings.
    Enjoy life in each hardships and joys. Sometimes, you look back and said, "whoa, i cant believe I went through that" but see, it made you a stronger and better you.
    Lastly, LOVE ME! LOVE yourself. LOVE YOU for being you..for the imperfections, for everything (not the narcissistic thing though) hahaha.

    Sir Bo, again thank you. Im not a kerygma reader, but I watch your TV show when I can. But I love your Blogs and it makes my day receiving it and preaching it especially in my students. Im trying to incorporate motivation and self esteem issues in my lessons (like Leo Buscaglia)...kahit parang commercial lang. you can see students are hungry for it. and this helps me a lot in preparation and in advises.THANK YOU & GOd Bless!

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  113. Hello there,,well magshare lang po ako,,if ever God didn't answer to my prayers really I get frustrated at feeling ko ba He never cares for me though I know Im not that worth tlga for him..ayun so far I experienced that many many times,,and until now pilit kong sinasabi sa sarili ko na hindi ako bibigyan ni God ng ganitong task kung madali akong bibigay pero I keep thinking always na unfair sya...sometimes alam ko naman na hindi nga ako worth because of my sinful acts..but I repent and ask for HIS forgiveness pero bakit may mga prayers tlga akong ayaw nyang pakinggan,,,and plans...may mga plans ako sometimes na bakit ba tlgang ayaw tlga akong pagbigyan ng tadhana,,laging may kontra ika nga...

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  114. Hi Bro Bo, just want to share some of my experiences.
    1995, I applied for a job in one of the best Semiconductor Manufacturing companies in the Philippines, one of the best in the world too. I passed the exam with a real big score, unfortunately I did not passed the interview. I was so sad that time. I failed.
    1996, my company almost sent me to Japan for training, its my dream to go to Japan one day, later I found a better job and left the company and after a month, a friend from the old company said that one Japanese engineer was looking for me and they intend to send me to Japan. I cant go back anymore. I was so sad, and frustated again.
    Years passed. I never had the chance to go to Japan anymore , but in 2003 God allowed me to work legally here in the US , Iam now waiting for my greencard.
    Last month, I ve read from a Filipino newspaper here in LA that the big semicon company where I applied for a job 13 years ago were moving out from the Philippines.
    Lots of failures but just go on .. GOD has something BIGGER for us !.

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  115. "What Do You Do When Your Best Plans Don’t Happen?" I have one answer to this: pray. I pray whenever I loose hope, encounter challenges in my daily life and whenever I feel alone. There were times I'm questioning myself and God why these things are happening, and God's giving me answers through prayer. I get frustrated but whenever I think of Him, he's giving me hope. Prayer really helps me become strong.. try it, and you'd feel the same!

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  116. Sure a lot of my plans, grand or not, have failed many times. And when they do fail, I do get hurt and pained - but I always manage to move on eventually. Sometimes, i notice, when I don not involve God in the planning stage pa lang, wala it is really bound for failure - or if ever it goes through, not as I really wanted it done. Dapat talaga, the first thing on the list when you want something done or want to achieve something, involve God. Corny - pero totoo. In those times when everything seems to happen not according to "my" plan, naisip ko, "hmp, hindi ko nanaman isinali ang Dyos dito." To move on is another thing beyond that realization: I think, classic pa rin yung line "let go and let God" - and I will be just fine. He has a better plan than mine, he better way to do my plan, he knows the best time'. Ganun lang - comforted na ako - hindi na masyado masakit - acceptance is easier - then i learn to become even more resilient each time.
    To you Brother Bo, congratulations on your ministry - this is my first time ever to place a comment - you move many different lives in many ways because you share the stage with us - thanks for the opportunity - God Bless You even more so you can continue to be a Blessing for others.

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  117. Good day to you Bro Bo!It's true that in our daily life we always encounter a lot of frustrations in different ways. And all that is left is our hope, our faith in God that in HIS time HE makes all things beautiful. As for me, I always enter into the wrong relationship. I've been into 4 failed relationships(third party as the reason for the break ups).It's so hard to deal with betrayal but after it, I always cling to HIM. I pray more and felt stronger doing it. He makes me optimistic.
    Truly, God's ways are amazing!He knows what's best for us. And I believe that someday somehow HE'll bless me with the right MAN.

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  118. Hi Brother Bo, your soul food really does help. I have been going through a tough time lately - trying to recover from a breakup with my ex-boyfriend, who I thought was "the one". People around me think I'm OK and have recovered, but deep inside, I'm still struggling. Sometimes, I feel good and seem successful in trying not to think about him and the past and feeling sorry for myself, but most times I still feel hurt. It even hurts me more that the ex tells me he prays for me each time (and I believe him because I know he's a good man).
    During this whole phase, there were instances when it seemed that God presented me with unlikely situations (concerning the ex and his new girl) which made me feel better and I am truly thankful to Him for those. I continue to be flip-flopping with my emotions and sometimes it seems that I would never get through this phase.
    God's word has become my solace and speaking to Him every night has helped me face each day, knowing in my heart that He will completely heal me of my hurt and pain. I admit that I still don't understand why things like this should happen when I thought that I've done my best to be a good person, but I know everything happens for a reason and I trust Him completely to make me strong and guide me each day.

    Today's reading in Kerygma sums up what God does when our "best plans" don't happen:
    Sometimes God takes away from us things or people that veer us away from Him. When all is lost, many question His love and existence. But God redirects our paths to Him in mysterious ways. Like water is to a dying plant, He refreshes us and renews our spirit.

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  119. Lealyn Buraga-Tandayu16 July 2008 at 17:42

    What do I do when my best plan won't happen.

    It's a natural feelings to get hurt when we failed despite of all our efforts we put on it. But that doesn't mean I would just stop there.

    I believe God has better plan for me and I'll wait for it.

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  120. When my best plans don't happen? Still i continue to TRUST, HOPE AND HAVE FAITH. Knowing that the our God is good and He has greater plans for me.

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  121. I have had a lot of disappointments in my life and plans that don't materialize. And problems are always abundant. Some would go away naturally but some preferred to stay with me until I don't know when. I have put my best foot forward in solving all of them but I do not always get the best results. During these trying times, i have always prayed hard for guidance and enlightenment. And I believe that until now, God is still guiding me. So however long the problem would stay with me, I know God will always be there to protect me and guide me. I might not get the results I wanted for my plans but I know God knows better than me. And everything He does is for the best.

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  122. Last May 2008 i took the CPA board exam...Though, I was prepared to fail since I was really not prepared. Pinagsabay ko kasi pag-aaral ko at work...Which was really difficult...

    As what I expected I failed....Then, I realize failure does hurt no matter how prepared you are...I cried a lot...Even blame myself and my situation as the bread winner in the family (i need my job to support my family kasi)...

    But after that storm, I came to know more of my GOD...I prayed a lot...meditated and reflected what really is God's plan for me...I prayed to God to help me attain my dreams....

    Then, I was told by the Holy Spirit to give up my job and concentrate on my studies... He said he will take good care of my family and in everything...So I tender my resignation...

    You know what brothers and sisters...these are the things that happened after my resignation...

    1. My immediate boss did not allow me to resign....He told to just take a leave of absence...and be back after the examination....in addition, he offered me a cash advance good enough to support my studies and family during my no pay days...(To GOD be the Glory)

    2. My younger sister got a job with a good pay plus a sideline job that make her earnings double....(To GOD be the Glory)

    God really work wonders if you submit all your fears and worries to Him.

    Now, I'm still facing a battle...That is to study hard and pass the CPA Board Examination this October 2008. I am not afraid God is with me...To Him i entrust everything....

    Please also pray for me my brothers and sisters....

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  123. when things don't happen the way i plan it, i resort to more prayers.. need to ask HIM direction..I may not have the answers immediately, but by talking with him, pressures nd frustrations are lessened.. further more, i make the most of the time thinking the what if's to fully understand the outcome of why God ruled out my plans.. eventually, i learn to appreciate the good points that it brings to me.. praise GOD! i have a plan alright! but HIS is better, i bet! GOd blesses everyone..

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  124. hello gud day, i always read your inspirational stories.
    it really reieve me if i read it,sometimes i compare it to my daily life which sometimes it really the same (the situation).

    just like this one, just like your question above what do i do if GOD don't answered my prayers. it really hurts me alot,sometimes i cried for it and ask HIm why he didn't answer my prayers,but at the end i just say to myself maybe GOD has a purpose why HE didn't answered it.

    what do i do when i get disappointed and fail i feel im useless and i feel i can't do anything and sometimes i feel that GOD is not on my side.

    when my dreams turns into dashes of pieces i feel jealous to those who made it. i feel i don't do anything, i feel i did'nt give my very best or is it not enough.

    and sometimes im thinking that GOD never heard my prayers.i sometims lose hope..

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  125. Last May 2008 i took the CPA board exam...Though, I was prepared to fail since I was really not prepared. Pinagsabay ko kasi pag-aaral ko at work...Which was really difficult...

    As what I expected I failed....Then, I realize failure does hurt no matter how prepared you are...I cried a lot...Even blame myself and my situation as the bread winner in the family (i need my job to support my family kasi)...

    Feel the pain, then PRAY...when it subsides PRAY still...

    After that storm, I came to know more of my GOD...I prayed a lot...meditated and reflected what really is God's plan for me...I prayed to God to help me attain my dreams....PRAYERS...my only tool every time I am put into a challenge of uplifting my down soul...

    Then, I was told by the Holy Spirit to give up my job and concentrate on my studies... He said he will take good care of my family and in everything...So I tender my resignation...

    You know what brothers and sisters...these are the things that happened after my resignation...

    1. My immediate boss did not allow me to resign....He told to just take a leave of absence...and be back after the examination....in addition, he offered me a cash advance good enough to support my studies and family during my no pay days...(To GOD be the Glory)

    2. My younger sister got a job with a good pay plus a sideline job that make her earnings double....(To GOD be the Glory)

    God really work wonders if you submit all your fears and worries to Him.

    Now, I'm still facing a battle...That is to study hard and pass the CPA Board Examination this October 2008. I am not afraid God is with me...To Him i entrust everything....

    Please also pray for me my brothers and sisters....

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  126. when my best plan didnt happen? ill cry and let God do the healing in me..you know last year i was advice to shift to another course from management accounting to business management,i lost my scholarship,i have to extend another year before i can graduate...i really cried during this days sometimes it makes me feel that God is not with me,,,until then i realized thats its Gods best plan for me-today i can have time for my ministries,time to visit friends unlike before im so busy in acads..i cant find any reason to hate God because in the very first place what happened in me was created with a purpose..i know i can get through this...you know if i didn't shift maybe one one of those students my classmares before who got 4 falling marks ..God bless there heart.. i thank my God. hes always there for me..im looking forward to work with God in my new modeling career..God bless brother bo.

    pray also for us all.

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  127. Hi Kuya Bo,

    When my plans don't happen, I simply dont' freak out. I stay calm and reflect for many times the reason behind it. Blaming God is not on my mind of couse so I just accept the fact that it's not really meant for me and I know there are still great things ahead for me. And lastly, continue praying, praying and praying...

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  128. I'm already 30 years old and from a poor family. Our whole family struggled just to make sure that we finish college. I remember those times when my mother shout at me because I was asking for my "baon" and she doesn't have anything to give, and in frustration, she just shouts at me! What I can share with you - brothers/sisters in Christ is that during times of frustration, what I do is pray hard and leave it all up to God. But we must really know God and ask for His wisdom to lead you through life... what path to take, which road to take...

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  129. Cecilia E. Flores16 July 2008 at 18:28

    If my best plans don't materialize I weep a bit and smile again.
    The closer we get to God the harder the trials become. In my long experience of life nothing compares to being faithful and giving God my complete trust. Just recently God delivered us from the bondage of burdensome debts. It took us years to settle it. In our nothingness we discovered that God never abandons His children. Those long years taught me two great lessons: Humility and patience.
    Today I am happy that we are able to give our tithes and to be able to share with others the blessings. I still believe that God has His own agenda uniquely tailored for each of His children. We just have to abide by His spirit. Obedience to God's will is the secret.
    We have a goal now: to make our tithing twenty percent for God's glory. Thank you Brother Bo and my Kerygma family for your prayers.
    God be adored and glorified! Amen!

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  130. When my best plan doesn't happen... I get hurt so much. And then I go to God immediately for a heart to heart talk. Then GOd will give me the grace to understand why things like this has to happen. After a few days and most of the time after several years I get to see that there's actually big blessings hidden in my disappointment & failures. He loves ( me ) us so much. Im thankful He didn't give in to my crazy plan! God focused to make me better and better each day! Thanks kerygma family for the inspiration!

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  131. When my best plan doesn't happen... I get hurt so much. And then I go to God immediately for a heart to heart talk. Then GOd will give me the grace to understand why things like this has to happen. After a few days and most of the time after several years I get to see that there's actually big blessings hidden in my disappointment & failures. He loves ( me ) us so much. Im thankful He didn't give in to my crazy plan! God focused to make me better and better each day! Thanks kerygma family for the inspiration!

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  132. Dear Bo,
    what do i do when my plans don't happen? i sometimes ask god WHY? then i ignore his silence, that he doesn't allows it to happen.but i continue on praying and still continue to wait for him to let it happen because i believe that if my goal is good he could reconsider my plans and alter some of my strategies to make it perfect for his plans for me.
    Actually its my dream to build a business so my husband could stop working as an ofw,but up to this time,i have not hit the right business for us, i have tried a lot of businesses but i have failed a lot too,now i am hearing from you the mutual fund investment. i am trying to study about it i hope that this one will be our blessing.
    I hope you could give us a more detailed way on how to join the mutual funds.
    love in christ

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  133. Gud Day bro bo. By the way i am BOjek Sanchez. Jess Claire Sanchez is my real name.

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  134. hehe ang ganda ng question, may naalala tuloy ako.
    2 years ago, i applied in my "dream company." well actually 2nd time ko na mag apply that time kasi pagkagraduate na pagkagraduate ko e yun na kagad yung tinarget ko but unfortunately i failed sa exam. sobrang hirap naman kasi talaga. 5 out of 100 lang ata yung pumupasa dun. then i applied in other company but after gaining 2years of experience eh talagang di mapakali ang sarili ko and i applied ulit dun sa dream company ko. i passed in preliminary assessment, final assessment at naku exam na naman so i prayed hard na tipong minuminuto ata sa tuwing maiisip ko yung exam eh nagdadasal talaga ko. pagdating ng exam day, same day malalaman na rin yung result and sobrang kaba ko na nun and you know what i passed. yipee!! i was so happy that time, kagaya nung feeling when i passed the board exam.
    pero syempre di pa nagtapos dun kasi may interview pa. so gaya ng dati i pray and pray and pray and pray. naisip ko nga baka nakukulitan na sakin si lord kasi para na kong sirang plaka. pagdating ng interview super nervous na naman ang lola mo and shocks panel interview at may mga expats. ang hirap pa kasi puro situational yung questions.huhuhu
    after the interview feeling ko naubos na lahat ng laman ng utak ko. so sabi ko sa sarili ko bahala na si lord. pero alam nyo ba kung anong result after a week..? di po ako natanggap. feeling ko pinagbagsakan ako ng kung ano while im reading the email saying na di nga ko nakuha. nadepress talaga ko nun sabi ko nakapasok na yung isa kong paa sa pinto ng dream ko isang paa nalang ang kulang pero nasaraduhan parin ako. matindi talaga yung naging impact sakin nun na dumating ako sa point na nagkaron ako ng doubt kay God. everybody sa paligid ko were saying "maybe its not meant for you, di yan ang destiny mo.."- huhh?? so i asked myself, ibig sabihin if destined ka sa isang bagay magpray ka man or hindi mangyayari yun? so para san pa ang prayer? wait lang effective nga ba talaga ang prayers kasi yun naman ang ginawa ko pero bat di nya ko tinulungan??? woooppss pero wag kayo magagalit sakin kasi di pa tapos yung kwento ko (haba noh?hehe)
    you know what, shunga lang talaga ko that time eh.hehe kasi ngayon ko narerealize lahat ng reasons bat nangyari yun.. to have patience, to make me strong, to realize na hindi lahat ng gustuhin natin eh yun yung makakabuti for us, and to have a stong faith with God no matter what.
    sabi nga- "when the idea isn't right, God says no. when the timing isn't right, God says slow. when you are not right, God says grow. and when everything is right, God says go."
    Nga pala, right now im working na in one of the top multinational corporation worldwide, kalevel nung dream company ko.hehe great position, great salary, and most important of all masaya ko kung asan ako right now.

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  135. While replying your question,the song Superman is playing in the cafe where I'm checking my e-mails and I'm the middle of a situation wherein I am using all my willpower to solve a financial matter.Yet, it seems everything is not turning into a positive result.But I keep on going believing that I am doing my best and God will do the rest for me.
    For a year now, I ask God to direct my life. Way back then, I've followed my own will. I defied everyone and choose my own direction. Somehow, somewhere along my tiring, struggling and troubled life a detour happened . A situation that many would say NOT A WISE THING TO DO but it took me otherwise and everything collapsed. I didn't know what to do and the only thing left is my faith, still weak but keeping me sane and strong.
    I realized that God is working to make my life better . HE shows that what I had are just superficial things that there are more ways to make life meaningful and wonderful.
    I am still waiting for more surprises from HIM. HE always lead me to best directions since I've surrendered my being to HIM, asking for strength to go on daily with my son as my inspiration. HE leads me to you and your website. Thank you. I know in my heart that HE is showing ways to serve my mission on earth. It's up to HIM.

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  136. Hi Everyone! Thanks for this opportunity to open. Why I have so many frustrations? Do I deserve this?! Sometimes I cry to God my disappointment. Hindi ko rin pinapakita sa family ko na mahina ko and sa mga friends ko. Minsan nga ang yabang ko pa. Marami kong problem pero hindi ko sinasabi sa kanila yung mga nararamdaman ko. Lagi ko lang kinikimkim. Kay God ko lang talaga nasasabi lahat. Sa ngayon I think wala kong bestfriend and unti lang yung friend ko. Si God ang tumatayong friend ko. Paghumuiling ako yung iba tuntupad niya pero hindi directing binibigay, kung baga sign lang. Siguro sinasabi niya maghintay ka lang at sa tamang pamahon bibigay ko din. Marami akong kalokohang ginagawa at pinagsisihan ko yun. Siguro nga kaya ganito ako ngayon maramin problem kasi pinagbabayaran ko yung mga kasalanan ko parang karma. Pero I think God is giving a good karma sometimes siguro kapalit din ng aking mga good deeds sometimes hehe. Marami rin akong balak gawin, daming plans, daming dreams, pero parang mahirap abutin, but God has given me an optimistic mind to attain it. Pero bakit kahit optimistic ang isang tao bakit marami paring distraction, technology, greed, wants, lust, etc hay you name it. Marami plans na dapat kong gawin pero hindi ko pa ginagawa, bakit po kaya ganun? Dami kong tanong na hindi ko masagot. Lagi akong humihingi ng sagot kay God. And I wish ibigay na niya sakin. Thanks and God Bless you all! :)

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  137. what do i do when my plans dont happen? well at first, nalulungkot ako, nadedepress pa nga minsan, pero i would say to myself, why should i be sad, when i know God has better plans for me...

    I pray... yung parang nagsusumbong ako kay God,. tapos humihingi ako ng tawad sa mga kasalanan ko, kasi baka dahil dun kaya hindi nangyayari ang mga plano ko... pero i dont lose hope... alam kong may mas magandang plano si God saken... then i let Him take control... hindi ko na lang masyadong iniisip... i focus on my work and church activities... sobrang busy kasi akong tao, its hard for me na magkaroon ng mahabang pahinga... buti na lang church officer ako...

    I dont know the reason kung bakit hindi ko magawa yung plano ko na ipursue ang aking studies, pero baka concern lang si God sa health ko if ever mangyari nga yun... I just think positive, kahit na ginugulo parin ako ng mga negative thoughts ko...

    God is great, and i know he will never leave me...

    I really like your articles Bro Bo, I am an INC but it doesnt matter... Im one of your fan right now and yung libro mo ang binabasa ko sa power books when i feel low, and it makes me feel better... Thanks Bro Bo.

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  138. When by Best Plan doesnt happen, or when things doesn't go as I expect it to be, I feel Frustrated. How do I deal with it? I just went to the Adoration Chapel and cry my heart out, I would just tell God How I feel, talking to him as if his there beside me listening like a friend or father. After pouring my heart out to him and when I already feel drained inside me, that's the time I listen to what he has to say to me. Listening in my heart is what God had tought me to do after years of going through trials and dissapointment. Believe me after that moment sitting at the Adoration Chapel, I would go out feeling light hearted, re-energized and ready to face another Frustration in life. ; )

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  139. Ahh..when my plans failed,pilit mag-rejoice!Reflect & ask God..then offer thanks & praise..yun..gagaan ang pakiramdam pagkatapos mg-give thanx for allowing things to happen,maybe something along the way is coming.If my prayers aren't answered, sometimes i stop praying abt it till i'll get the inspiration to pray again...sometimes i ask the wisdom to pray.. of course, there are times that i felf frustrated but it won't last long & i tried to avoid it as much as possible.

    Thanx Bro. Bo for all your mind-twisters & eye-openers questions, inspirational sharings and examples! God will truly blesses you, your family, your entire households & staff..so are we....all kerygmafamilymembers!

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  140. I used to be a very depressed person. ALways longing to find someone who will love me the way I want them to love me. That's why I never had a long steady relationships because it will always end up with nothing. Then, one day I read an article about waiting, and letting God decide on your life. And from then on, I prayed and told him that I am offering him all my plans as well as my life. And from then on, everytime I lose a battle and everytime my wants doesnt seem to work, it never gave me the same depression I had before. In fact it never gave me depression at all, just a tought that "yeah, maybe this is not what he wants me to have and there is something more that I will have."
    That was 3 years ago, and one year ago I met a man who didn't just accept me for who i am but also love me more than I love him. Then I realize, it was worth waiting 25 years of my life to meet someone more than I wanted. It was God's gift to me. And he didn't only bless my lovelife, but also my family's financial status. Though not really so much, but its all just enough for all of us to get what we want and to help other people as well.
    The lesson I learn is that, everytime I thought I am standing in a cliff and no where to go. I only have to close my eyes and talk to him, that everytime I will open my eyes, I always find a new road, in fact, better than what I prayed for.
    Today, I only want to praise him for all the blessings that he gave me and my family. Just praying for something that will just be enough for me and for all the people I love. ANd my prayers? He always answers it, more than what I prayed for. And even if it would not arrive today, I know he'll going to give it to me someday. I just learned to trust him.

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  141. Dear Bro. Bo,

    When things get nowhere for me, my humanity calls for questioning God. All the "whys" and "then what, Lord?" were the constant pleadings of my heart then. I cried ( a river eh!), pounced my pillow and do many dramatic scenes for God in my prayer. I thought by then, that I would still persuade HIM of my whims if I do these hyperbolic acts. Thinking maybe HE will rethink HIS judgment and favor my appeals.

    Indeed, time and maturity has its reasons of seasons. As the famous Ecclesiastes verse says: “There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens.” This made me understand God’s will.

    In my spiritual journey, I learned hard core the cliché that “Life’s lessons are best taught by failures.” That it is inevitable to encounter potholes and curves along the way. That these happen for a purpose and are part of God’s scheme of things in our lives. I came to terms with the Great Director of my Life by surrendering little by little my own selfish desires and made way to HIS direction. It never felt like this before and it’s getting better everyday as I think and act as the “ BEST ACTRESS” of GOD’S WILL.

    More Power and Blessings to Everyone!!! JESUS LOVES US!!!=)


    For Christ,

    Yam


    P.S. Thank you Bro. Bo..May your legions multiplied and may the Lord God bless your plans.

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  142. what do i do when my plans don't happen? i celebrate!!! for what? for knowing that God, my Heavenly Father is near and watching over my steps, so i don't stumble in the dark. He sees that my plan will not do any good for my soul. doing His will is my joy. i'd smile and eat outside or go shopping ... whatever. life is too short to spend in useless worry. there's more to life than brooding over spilled milk . i let God do the worrying for me, for a good father only gives good gifts to his children.
    thanks bro. bo for this wonderful space.
    God bless you and your family.
    bituin - strel

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  143. Hi po. This is my first time, na magcocomment dito.
    I just wanna share with you ang nararamdaman ko ngayon. Your stories are all inspiring, nakakatuwa na sa ganitong panahon na nakakaramdam ako ng pag-iisa, ay may sadya naman akong mababasa sa e-mail ko na napapanahon.

    Nasa gitna ako ng buhay ko, kung saan hindi ko alam kung saan ako magsisimula.

    Fresh graduate ako, na kasalukuyang naghahanap ng una kong trabaho. January pa lang ng taon na ito ay tapos na ako. Noong panahon na iyon, hindi pa ako nag-aaply dahil nga sabi ko, magpapahinga muna ako at pag-aaralan ko muna ang mga strategy sa pag-aaply. (kulang kasi ako ng self-confidence). Nag-aral ako ng mga short courses, at dahil nga naguguluhan ako kung ano talaga ang gusto kong career sa buhay ko, nagdasal ako kay Lord na sana paliwanagin nya ang isip ko para mahanap ko ang sarili ko.

    Dumating ang graduation namin, thankful naman ako at ang lahat ng pinaghirapan ko ay nagbunga. Nabigyan ako ng honor sa graduation at pinagpapasalamat ko iyon dahil napasaya ko na naman ang mga magulang ko.

    May ako grumaduate. June, sinabi ko sa sarili ko na lalakasan ko na ang loob ko at mag-aaply na ako. Ngayon, July na ay wala pa rin akong mahanap.

    Naguguluhan na talaga ako dahil ang frustration ng isang fresh grad na tulad ko ay ang makahanap na ng trabaho para makatulong sa pamilya.

    - Naiinggit na ako sa mga kaklase ko na may trabaho na. Ako, may honor, tapos wala pa rin.
    - Nappressure ako, dahil ang dami na nagtatanong sa akin kung may work na ako. (dahil dapat daw hindi ako mahirapan dahil may honor naman ako, madali lang daw makahanap ng work)
    -Gusto ko na rin makatulong sa pamilya ko at makapag-ipon.
    - Hindi pa rin tumatawag ang mga inaaplyan ko na kumpanya.

    Minsan tuloy naiisip ko, na mas lalo akong nappressure sa award na nakuha ko dahil ang dami nilang ineexpect sakin.

    Ngayon nga napapatanong ako kay Lord dahil, araw-araw akong nagdarasal na sana makita ko na ang hinahanap na career na para sa akin, pero hanggang ngaun parang busy pa rin sya sa akin. Napapaisip tuloy ako na parang nagiging failure ako sa kanya at sa family ko dahil hanggang ngayon wala pa rin akong trabaho.

    Nahihiya na nga ako minsan kasi, dasal ako ng dasal tapos paminsan nagagawa ko pa rin yung mga kahinaan ko sa sarili ko. (Kaya siguro hindi Nya ako napapakinggan).

    Minsan, natatanong ko, kung nakikinig ba talaga si God? Eto ako at nagpapakabuti pero parang busy pa rin sya.

    Kahapon nga, nagagalit na ako at nasabi ko na hindi na ako maniniwala.

    Pero nung gabi, ewan ko ba. Hindi ko maiwasan na magdasal. At parang hinahatak pa rin ako ni God na magdasal at magtiwala sa kanya.

    Sa ngayon, kahit na naguguluhan pa rin ako at kahit nagtatanong sa kanya, hahayaan ko na rin na gabayan nya ako sa mga bagay-bagay. Alam ko, may dahilan naman ang lahat (kahit na paminsan eh nahihirapan akong intindihin sya). Maghihintay pa rin ako.

    Sana, sana lang hindi ako makabitiw sa kanya.

    Tulungan nyo po ako na hindi makabitiw at palaging maniwala. Salamat po!

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  144. Hi Bro. Bo,

    This is the first time i post a comment. Ur questions really hit me.., Same with everyone else.. I really really get frustrated, hurt, disappointed and depressed when my plans in life did not work.. Worse of all I STOP HOPING...I STOP PRAYING (i used to have my prayer time & bible reading)... I LAY LOW WITH THE COMMUNITY I BELONG...I SOMEWHAT HATED or HURT COZ i feel like the LORD no longer hear my pleads & prayer....

    Ever since kasi my plans are not always focusing on ME. I always look on the goodness of my family and others-friends and relatives and yet i feel like HE does not bless me...Y i said this? coz right now I lose a job ... Now i feel like so useless coz pano na ang family needs ko...feel ko tuloy the LORD let me go....

    Though i know that dwelling much to my problems is not healthy but i really can't help it.. How ironic coz a lot of my friends come to me for advise and shoulder to lean on (and it really ease up their feelings) but when it comes to myself e di ko kaya... I just cry and cry and right now i feel like IM so DISTANT with our LORD...Im too ashamed of praying again .... What should i do? ....Need ur prayers and advise...

    in need;

    wen

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  145. hmm ... when it seems GOD dont answer my prayer, i have self pity... its hard to be positive just like that .... but after sometimes, with the help of GOD still, he made me realize things that is much better i deserve than what i lost.. :)

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  146. when i was just 10 years old way back in 1979, thinned and malnourished kid just like any other children in the slum where i live.. i happened to work with the other children in the pier carrying luggage from passengers coming out from the ship.and sometimes, you got a knock on the head by the older ones because you become a nuisance for them inside the ship. they 're the legal laborer while us were the asungot! but i did recall all this instances as happy moments in my life. though now, i know its really tough to survived with those kind of places and invironment which you have to deal everyday. there were a few times that you really need to steal for food in the pier. while rich people kids are munching deliciously a bunch of humburger, i've watched all this with awe and hopelessness from the mirror outside. but after i graduated from public highschool with a bopol grades. i start to dream dreams too that someday i could also has my own family and away from the slum. but so many thoughts and question were also clouded my dreams at an early stage of my life. i asked so many question from God without an answer. why i was born from a poor family. why there is rich and poor? why we need god? who is god? is he a man or woman? is god really exist? these are few of my stupid questions when i was 10 years old.
    until today i still has so many question about life and this universe and god had answerd me some of my questions. even though, now i'm 40 years old and only had finished highschool. but i tell you God never let me down with all the frustration and hardship that i encountered along this path and a harsh world called life. we should just treat our problem, our frustration as a child. a child is always very simple in dealing problems. oftentimes, a child is always happy and gratefull despite all the hardship arround him. thats what i learned while i still dreaming big dreams. God bless everyone!

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  147. Hi! My recent "failure" is more or less the same with philip, I was not able to get in to the job that I applied for. But what is more disappointing was I've passed the interviews and screening, I even got good comments from the management, all that's left was the contract, but sad to say I received an email just yeterday that there has been a "no poach" between my present company and the one that I applied to. I did'nt see it coming that's why I felt low for a moment plus I'm a type of person who's trying to be optimistic at all times, so before I get to know the actual result I already have a succeeding plans ahead. And when an unavoidable things happen I am left with disappointments. But coping up is not too hard for me, eventhough I don't have the most wonderful life in the world I only cry once, I mean really CRY. Then I talk to HIM, I 'll have the comfort of my friends, I'll recieved the most uplifting jokes and cheers from my partner, I'll call my pamangkin's back home, Indulge in a very tasty meal, and leave everything to HIM. Alas! I'm back on my big feet again.
    Off course there are far too serious failures from the past, but the point is I'm still here, blessed, thankful, and living my life with more dreams and plans to fulfill...

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  148. LET GO and LET GOD. Actually all of us are losers, one way or other. But always remember that ALL of us are just travellers here on earth...and our real life is in Heaven. Everything that happens here in our life on earth are just a taste of Heaven or a purification of our soul to deserve Heaven.

    Good day to everyone!

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  149. Dear Bro. Bo,
    I am sorry if i cannot share to you on what i will do when my plans don't happen. I am now experiencing a problem that i leasted expect to happen in my family. I am not even ready to share in through this email.
    Actually, i feel so devastated and God is so unkind to me. You see, i have been very careful that i do not hurt the feelings of others and i tried my best to do and follow what is best and good. Yet, He has been so insensitive to how i would take this things. I believed that He is not fair with me. I really don't know what to do Bro. Bo!

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  150. i hope makita ninyo ang point ko sa experience ko,

    basically ganito yon, for every action there is a reaction...

    ganon lang ka simply, kung wala pang reaction gagawa ng gagawa ng gagawa lang ako ng action... gawa ng gawa ng gawa...

    until such a time na wala nang pwede gawin ang mundo kundi mapilitan ito ibigay sa iyo ang resulta na ginusto mo, o mas higit pa!

    and of course, the ethics, the values, and christianity of your action is there!

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  151. Its human nature to feel frustrated when things dont happen the way things we wanted it to be.After all of my efforts and still I failed then I just give it all away "Let His will be done and not mine ".My always consolation when I'm frustrated: that something better will come along.Everyday is a blessing and have Faith in God always .He had plans for everyone of us and trust Him with it

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  152. all my life i always dream of my plans ... i always tell my mom when i was still studying that i will build her a mansion give her all she wants and treat her like a queen... after college i was lucky to have a good job and after a year promoted as one of the youngest manager at that time... i was young and adventurous... i forgot all i promised and plans... specially i forgot the one who gave me these things... God>>> believe me it is happy days... but after each day i was left alone ans not happy at all... after a stint of 6 years as a manager i was tired and fed up of everything... i was searching for love and and someone who can love me back... i failed for 6 years i had no relationship even if i tried there is no magic and no love at all... i asked God why is it happening to me... i asked him that im ready to give my love and share it to someone special... but no one came... not even a single chance... as i continue to search i decided that maybe im just forcing myself to much ... maybe im not really ready for a relationship... in short im giving up... i even told God that why is it happening to me... God said that he created us with his own image so it means that I looked like him (right? =) i started questioning him again... i failed over and over again... after years of strugle i resigned as manager and my dreams were gone... i struggled to get back on track... lost my hope and never dreamed again... i almost lost everything even some of what i believe my friends...but thanks to my family and my childhood bestfriends they stayed even in my darkest hours... i started again questioning God... why me? why my plans are not falling where i want it... God is really good... after sometime im beggining to get back to him.. praying... listening to you Bo helped me so much in regaining my strength...my dreams... now im not asking him anything... but usually pray to him saying thy will be done... God be my light and guide me... after almost a year... i heard one of my friend saying... maybe God is preparing somebody for you... somebody special... but i told my friend its nonsense maybe God knows im not ready for her that's why... then one day my aunt called asked me to call someone... but deep inside myself im not interested... maybe because i think that this might fail and nothing will happen... but i tried... we talked and shared some stories... ups and downs etc... one day she was so down while telling me a story and at the same time im watching Bro Bo preach on TV and i asked her to watch it also then after that is history... im glad i tried and trusted God that i will not fail with this one... she is now my fiance and getting ready for our future... i never gave up looking for a job and now im blessed because i have one... one good job that i never thought i can do and never dreamed about... because now i know that if we have dreams... God's dream is much bigger and better... I would like to take this opportunity to thank God for giving and sending me people who i can trust and making me realize that if you fail and stumble... hold on to him and trust him... he will pick you up and carry you... Thank you for my Fiancé , family and friends who stayed and helped me to go back ( and also to those who left me thank you for bringing out the best in me )thank you Bro. Bo... for giving time and yourself to spread the good news of God.. always be praying for everyone... God is love... God bless

    ps. hoping to start my plans and dreams for my mom... pray hard for God nothing is impossible...

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  153. What do I do? I pause, think what just happened, then look at the bright side and believe It Can still Happen. most of the time it works. But one thing I don't do now is pray. You see I was really religious before, even when all my problems were burdening me, you name it: financial, legal, family and relationships. But I knew I can overcome them intime with God's help. But I noticed that they never go away. They always come one way or another. Then a couple of years back, I just said "What the heck I don't care if problems come I'll just solve it myself!" It seems the more I pray, the more the problems get amplified. When I stopped praying, the problems kept on coming, but I do not take them as seriously, so now I look back to the times that I cried to God because of financial problems and see myself now just trying to live it out, it looked like i had really deep lifeand death problems that I now laugh at. I think I'm doing well, but I guess I do need to knock on His door
    one of these days.

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  154. I cry my heart out then thank God for leading me where he wants me to be. Then I go back to living my life.

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  155. Gud day everyone!

    I am a graduate of civil engineering and i graduated cum laude last march 2007. my plans were to take up first the board exam and after that to look for a job. After graduation i enrolled myself in a review center and had my extensive review for almost 6 months.

    I really worked hard on it because lots of people expected me to be a top notcher. I spend all my time and limited financial resources for the review and i even sacrificed a lot just to pass and even top the board. Then the Nov 2007 board exam came... But unfortunately and unxpectedly, after two weeks of agony in waiting for the results, the the PRC ordered a retake for no valid reasons at all. The results were never released. I was very frustrated and disappointed then. I felt that I was suddenly hit by a raging train that i felt so helpless and shattered into pieces. I asked God what have i done wrong to deserve all these.. I simply didn't understand. However, i never blamed God for it, for i know He has reasons and He has better plans for me.

    I didn't take the retake. I said to God that if it was not yet time for me to pass, so be it. And so i decided to take the recent May board exam..and in God's time, i passed with flying colors! Although i wasn't able to make it to the top 10, at least i got a very high rating, 2 points lng ang lamang saken ng top 10..

    Every time my plans don't work, i usually reflect on it and prayed to God to enlighten me to let me know what He wants for me..for i know He only wants the best for me. I always include to my prayers that "His will shall always be done". Eventhough we have the power to decide what course of actions to take to meet all our plans..it's still God who knows the best for us..and we should let His light guide our way towards success.

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  156. hi Bro Bo,
    similar to Rose: I get angry, cry and withdraw from everyone.. while questioning God 'Why?'.. then, I end up giving in like "OK, it's up to You"..
    this happens like I'm in a circle; doing it over and over again.. until I see 'a ray of light'..

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  157. Hi bo,

    greetings from Africa.

    When God seems not to answer my prayer...I pray more...then I look into to my prayers if its really what I want. Well at the end of the day...God knows me,more than I think I know myself.

    God bless

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  158. if my plans did not happen i just considered it as a blessing in disguise thinking that God has a better plan for me. i just do something else, go on with life and thanking God for his many blessings.
    God knows what is best for us!

    God bless!

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  159. Hi Bro Bo!

    I don't know kung talagang pinagadya ng pagkakataon na natanggap ko email mo re: what do you do when your best plans don't happen? Yesterday, my dreams that i prayed for almost three years now, ay di nangyari... ginawa ko ng lahat ... i made sacrifices ... but here i am my dreams didn't work... i am depressed trying to see the other side of it ... and hoping that it will be a blessings at the end ...
    At this point in time ... i tried my best to pray and give my worship to GOD inspite of these failures and pain that i've felt. Though, mahirap mag worship kapag masama ang loob mo, pag may nararamdaman kang sakit, at dama mo ang pagbagsak ng pangarap mo, but i need to give my best pa rin and offer it to HIM. Kasi alam ko naman yung nangyari is out of my control anyway. GOD knows my heart more than I do...
    Right now, don't know how to start again ... but i believe that GOD will be there to lift me up again.

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  160. Hi Bo!

    This is my second comment, but this time i just want to extend my Prayers to Bebot Latonio who post a message of disappointment. May the good Lord touches your heart and of those people around you. Brother, please keep your faith on Him and please always say his name "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus...." this could help you ease what ever pains in your heart. Praying for you,
    PS: Thanks, Bo for this idea, i'm in the office and I'm trying to read all the comments posted by our Brothers and sisters, really inspiring and heart warming.thanks again and God bless!

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  161. hi bro. bo, during my college years, i had experienced the worst thing in my life. when me and my ex and first bf broke up, my world really changed. and justlike yu bo, i was also poor. i dont have pretty clothes like my friends and classmates. i felt, i was different and pathetic. i felt miserable and i lost hope. everyday i was unhappy and i cant find reason to be happy. and every year i got worse and worse. i had a classmate during my 2nd year and i found him mean( i fell in love with him after all but nothing happened, he never became my bf) he made my life even miserable when he spread a gossip about me. it was terrible seeing my classmates everyday looking at me differently in a judgemental way. in order for me to relieve my stress i make absent once a week, imagine that. during those times, i feel like i dont wanna live anymore,worst thing is i felt angry with God especially when i see my friends happy and having fun. i always ask, Why me? i try to understand everything and love those people who hurt me but still im miserable. i cant tell it to anybody because they will not understand me so i kept it to myself.
    i felt relieved when i graduated. at last i will never see my claassmates again. but i thought everything will end there. after graduation i cant find a job, my batchmates already has a job already during that time. finally i found a job but i dont like it,it didn't suit my interests not to mention my bruhang mga officemates and im in a night shift pa! it worrible.
    until that time my views in life was still the same, miserable, hopeless! i spent only two months o that job, i ddidn't finish my contract because i cant stand the environment.
    my life changed one day, when i watched the sunday tv mass of fr. mario sobrejuanite. i like his of reaching to other people. it helped me become inspired to do what i want to do with my life. after my first job, i was jobless for 2years and i cant find a way to go on with my life but because of that tv mass and fr. mario i got inspired. then i learned about the book, "Our Daily BRead" i read it every morning before i do my chores. i felt blessed, i even know who God is and what kind of God he is. then ! day, i received a text msg, it was a job interview, and thankfully i got the job. now im working for a year and a half now as an executive secretary(I got promoted twice just recently) and they pay me just enough for me and my family to survive and have fun.
    hay kapagod mag-english. but seriously i feel blessed now. praise God.

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  162. sorry, i've just opened my mail now.

    i just have turned 16 last month, but still i know i can at least share something.

    my high school life was a tough one, since i was in a regional science high school, belonging in the top section. and with god's blessings, i was included in the top ten. as I've achieved much, I dreamt much. i always thought of being in UP for college. and yes, i passed. but the course was not for me, speech comm. all i want is accountancy. so, in short, UP now became a second choice.

    PUP became the priority, since my family can not afford to pay another thousands in private schools. we are three in college(the two were in manila). But unfortunately, i didn't pass the exam. i was really frustrated, thinking that i'm so stupid. it was only with the help of a family friend that made me be in a branch of PUP. as the director gave me my score sheet, i saw a high grade. i didn't know what happened. maybe, i failed in a particular area.

    but then, i was really frustrated. i don't really want to be enrolled in that school. and to tell you frankly, i'm ashamed to be seen by my schoolmates entering that university campus. Things are changing so slowly. i can't accept it.

    though i'm trying, i can't. i felt embarrassed realizing my stupidity. God has given me the chance to study, yet i was not satisfied. God provides me with my needs, i wasn't satisfied yet. then, i started to try a little harder to adjust. I even more realized God's blessing the night before my birthday. i received a message saying hat i was chosen as a scholar. and i can get as much as 30 000 a year. for us, it's a big help. now, i've discovered that God really never fails.

    addition to this reason, our church is now lacking money to support our pastor. also, people seldomly have the time to attend to activities every Saturday. it was the youth who actively supports the church. I realized that God had really put me in that school(which is in the town next to ours.) as i was elected as the president of youth. it's a responsibility and a ministry. whew. i was also assigned by our pastor to play the piano every sunday(khit nd maxado marunong) since our organist have to give care for my lola. another ministry.whew.

    now, i realized. god had a big purpose for my frustrations and success. God never fails each of us. all he needs is time to fulfill all her plans.

    i'm sorry to tell my story long. i never told it to anyone. i kept it all. it's just now that i have shared my problem turned into blessing.

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  163. hey bo! :D

    im a 5th year engineering student. i've lots of frustrations lalo na when it comes to school stuff. what i usually do when im frustrated or when my plans and dreams crash to pieces is that i let myself feel the pain. i cry. for hours. even days. i cry in my room, the bathroom, everywhere! i ask God why He have to let that certain thing happen. then i answer the question i threw to God, myself. i tell myself all the reasons i could possibly think of on why the thing has to happen. then, i let the feeling go. i move on. coz if i don't the sadness and frustration's gonna eat me, it's gon' pull me down. and another thing, i don't need it, so i let if go. ayun.

    chaka, i write what i feel. the sadness, frustrations, anger, kahit ano. i write it down on my journal or i my blog. it really helps.

    ayun.

    God Bless po. :D

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  164. Hi Bro. Bo,
    what do you do when your best plans dont happen?.. I cry... I cry to the Lord and sometimes i am thinking that its His punishment for us..but sometimes maybe its not yet time.
    Since year 2000 we are applying as immigrant in US, we got the approval a year after, then they asked for another requirement (english exam)before the interview date, my husband (a nurse)was not able to pass that exam in just 1 take so we need to wait again, and when he passed we found out that our visa was already expired..di ba so sad, so we need to apply again, we know that processing the papers going to US is not easy and quick, fortunately we got the approval again, but the thing is retrogression (there is no available visa for that category), again we have to wait, so we decided to apply to another country while waiting for our priority date to become current. we have financial crisis...we lamost lost hope to the point that my husband decided that we will go back to philippines..i cried a lot coz i don't want to go back coz i know i cant find job easily. i told my husband not to give up this is just one of His trials, he did not listen, that same night my bro (in canada)called me mangangamusta lang sya, so i told him, he talked to my husband on the phone and while they are talking i am praying, after that talked we did not say anything we just hug each other and pray holding each others hand,evrything sinabi ko kay Lord...we we're crying like a child...and after that prayer parang gumaan pakiramdam namin....mabait si Lord if you will just trust Him and rely everything on Him, every night we pray together with my 2 kids, we read the Bible, we let them hear what we are praying for.
    Now our priority date to US was moved instead of sept. 2006 it was moved to 2001... it means we're included sa mga mabibigyan ng visa, aside from that we send our application to canada and just waiting for the approval of visa (maybe 2months waiting time)hindi lang yon i was hired in another company with a bigger salary.
    God is GREAT, he will answer your prayer in His time..pag nagsabog Sya ng blessings siksik liglig at umaapaw..sabi nga ng husband ko "Lord and dami ng blessings mo we thank you for that pero di ko alam kung alin dadamputin ko."..right now we are just waiting for our visa.
    Now, I know God has a better plan for us, he wants us in a better place kaya we will wait.
    GOD is GOOD...GOd is GREAT he will never leave us, just keep on holding on to HIM.
    God bless everyone and to you Bro. Bo.

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  165. Before, whenever I face frustration or failure, I would cry my heart out and think that I had done something really bad which is why God was punishing me. But my husband always kept things in perspective. He made me realize that even bad things happen to good people.

    My mom suffered a stroke two years ago and when this happened, I felt my whole world came crashing down on me. I questioned God why this happened to our family when we were very active in a Catholic renewal group and my mom was serving our parish at the same time. I still have no answers for all my questions, although I've had a lot of realizations. I know that what couldn't kill me could only strengthen me. During that time I just prayed really hard and asked prayers from all my friends and relatives. I know those prayers have really helped me survive the crisis.

    Now my mom is recovering. She's still not fully well. She can't talk nor walk and she's totally dependent on us and her attendant for all her needs. But I am grateful that my mom is still with us and I am blessed to have been given this chance to take care of her and to give back the love she has given me. I know there's a reason for all this. I just cling to God's promise that He has plans for me (and my family), and that those plans include a future full of hope, not of woe, plans to prosper and not to harm me.

    Thanks, Bro. Bo, for giving me the chance to share my story. :) God bless you!

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  166. i am a person who does not know how to move on easily after frustrations...yeah...that true...my frustrating experience haunts and haunts me...but later on after some reflections, crying and thinking...i learned to accept things that i cannot change and focus on the things that i am still in control of...Bro.. Bo,you are such a blessing..thank you!

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  167. i really don't know what to do basta ang alam ko lang ang pakiramdan na mahirap, masakit sa part ko dahil ginawa mo naman ang lahat, u even prayed about it but still nothing happens.

    nakarelate ako dun sa comment ni lenie the same ang situation namin. pakisabi di sya nag iisa.

    I guess the issue is rooted from disappointment.
    And disappointment is caused by our unmet expectation.

    Oftentimes the result, it blinds us of the very presence of God and start to ask, "saan ako nagkamali?"
    and when good news comes,
    we don't want to accept it for fear of being disappointed again. And we started to envy others who's plans were successful.

    What do you do when God seems not to answer your prayer?

    or i remember one book that entitled:

    "What Happens When God Answers Prayer?"

    The author said that, "we seem to place so much emphasis on our prayer requests, and then on God's answers, that we forget what He intends us to do with His answer."

    As i read the comments here i notice one common -- that whatever happens we continue to HOPE to the ONE who knows everything.

    Let us then be thankful for this situations because its an OPPORTUNITY for us to be HOPEFUL to Him.

    May we never run out of hope even if sometimes its hopeless.. because we never run out of God.

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  168. I had a best-laid plan on solving a particular problem. I thought it was easy, but it didn't work. I was turned down by somebody whom I asked for help. After that, I wanted to cry, I told myself that maybe this isn't really for me, that I am a failure, then I wallowed in pain... I got frustrated! I didn't want to work hard anymore. So I prayed after that, I lifted my problem to Him and I let go of it, and thanked Him for whatever reason my plan didn't go so well... Win or lose, praise Him! I somehow forgot about the failed plan, and moved on. And then a blessing comes knocking at my door! Totally unexpected blessing. See, our frustrations are short-lived. But when we pray, we gain back the strength to move and carry on to carry out His will in our lives.

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  169. I don't complain because I myself know that I am not deserved to ask graces from Him for I am a sinner. Yet, I believed in Him.

    But yes, because I am a human there are times I feel like giving up, disappointed and in terribly pain.

    So what do I do in times like this?
    I cried a lot. Be quite for sometime and took a nap. It makes me feel better. This is one of my secret and here is one more thing. I have many buds who comfort me. They lighten my burden and they bring me closer to God and through their intercessions I able to stand after I fall, I able to swim after I drown to tears. They help me realize that everything happens for a reason and it all works in the end. They are my best buds ever. In them, I can cry. You know them. These are my buds Mama Mary, Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina and Blessed Pedro Calungsod. I am so blessed and thankful to have them.

    And you know what, Jesus showers so many blessings to me even if I don't ask for it. And this makes me smile because I know somewhere up there my buds tell Him what I need.

    I always bear it in my mind, Jesus knows the best for me. Every situations will be resolved but in His time,not mine.

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  170. Honestly, I get disappointed when my plans don't happen, when my expectations are not met. But as much as I easily react on those things, the other side of me is easy to respond too. I would then realized that if things didnt happen, they they are not meant to be. And ALWAYS God has better plans, more than what we can comprehend.

    I was praying for a business at home since I wanted to take care of my child and earn at the same time. I have tried a lot of businesses already but it seems that my efforts were all put in vain. Then an opportunity came to me to do business at home and with lesser efforts yet more income. Then it dawned on me that those "hard times", God was molding me already and preparing me for His plans (better plans at that if not BEST) in my life.

    And another thing, I don't really "plan" but rather, pray and ask for His wisdom. I feel that I just have to put things in paper for I know that everything that happened and will happen has already been planned by Him. I just ask for guidance that I may able to fulfill His purpose in my life.

    Right now, I firmly believe that He plans to prosper me and everyone else who believes and have faith in Him. I claim that prosperity because that is His promise in the bible. And I am already experiencing the "making" of such prosperous life. Everyday I declare I have one and I thank Him for it -- even before it happens. And then at the end of the day, it does! Halleluiah!

    Thank you for your life Brother Bo! For the Christ in you, Glory to God forever!

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  171. i believe that every daughter/son would like to give back all the love to their parents, and im just one of those who dreamed/planned of beautiful things for my mom and dad. eversince i was little,i plan to work really hard, earn big time so i can buy a really nice house for them, a car, go places and have a good time with them while on vacation, everything that i could offer, only the best for them. august 2006 came, according to the doctor, my dad had diabetes, he knew that he had it for almost 2 years already, but we found out that it had gotten worse, and that was just the beginning. then they told us he had glaucoma, then he had seizures and been going in and out of the hospital and was diagnosed to have a brain tumor. december the same year, he was gone.
    i was a daddy's girl. i love my dad so much. i want to give back all the love, i want to make him proud.
    i was devastated. i asked god why he let all those things happen. i blamed myself for everything.
    but god never let go of my hand. he was always there. he sent me angels everyday, he never failed to do so.my mom, my bestfriends, cousins and colleagues never got tired of talking, listening and crying with me, the daily god's message i get in the email, bro. bo's preachings, it was endless. slowly but surely, i know the pain and the hurting will soon be gone.

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  172. me? when my plans fails, i really get frustrated...i admit i sometimes tend to blame God because of it..i really have so many confusions...but in the end...it is still God i asked for help...coz even my self, my friends can't handle my problem alone...

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  173. When my plans don't go the way I think they should, I give frustration it's day. If my life were network TV, it would be tantamount to giving it the prime time belt. I acknowledge it and I go through it.

    Then I move on.

    Because it dawns on me time and time again that when I recognize its existence and realize that this is part of living this remarkable life God has blessed each of us with, the frustration lets me go.

    Then inexplicably, it comes full circle: I find through His grace that I am able to let go of my plans and change them. Sometimes, all it takes is a tweak, sometimes, a major overhaul. We adapt. I guess in these times, Aslan is teaching me it's not what life deals us with. It's how we deal with life.

    I grapple through my so-called 'thwarted plans' with Christ though. Every step of the way. He deals with me with such patience and a lot of humor. He literally humors me when I am expressing my frustration when things don't go as planned! I reckon He's teaching me for the upteenth time to let go and let God. But you know Brother Bo, I think He desires that we make plans in our lives. Because what can we let go of if there's nothing we're holding on to?

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  174. Hi Bo,

    Whenever i fail?
    That's the time I realized I failed God.
    Failures humble me and bring me back to my knees and sort out the absolute will of God for me.

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  175. when things dont turn out the way i wanted them to be, i just talk to God and ask Him " Dad, what are you up to this time?".I believe everything happens for a reason.I might not understand it then but in time He will reveal it to me. always tell Him everything i feel,like when im disappointed,frustrated and hurt but never did i get mad and turn my back away from Him coz i know He just want me to learn something .and that He has a much better plan for me than i have for myself. know he wants me to sometimes get frustrated,disappointed and hurt coz he misses me and wants me to go back and talk to Him.His good at it coz it always works! :) Im always thankful for everything that happened in my life may it be good or bad.

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  176. I always remember a good quote I read... "When you're down to nothing, God is up to something" Makes me feel that my failures in life is all part of the plan - the big picture.

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  177. One good thing I learned from disappointment is that there is a greater power that could handle things when everything fails.. What He gives in return is something more than we expect for..

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  178. Hi Bro. Bo. Thank you for the opportunity you have given us, it's a pleasure to share knowing that others will be blessed just by sharing my thoughts. So here it goes...

    In times when GOD does not give us what we wanted, I always say to myself, GOOD THINGS COMES TO THOSE WHO WAIT & to he who puts their TRUST to the LORD. I always believe that GOD puts us where we deserved to be. He answers our prayers in his own right time not ours. The problems & trials are all just test to our FAITH in HIM. Every time something not so good happens to me, I resists on thinking negative things out of it, instead I turn them into positive reflections like the learnings I get out of the experience.

    You see Bro. Bo, I am from Iloilo City and most of my Family on my husband's side and mine Including my own family were victims of the recent calamity caused by Typhoon Frank. All that we have put up for the last 5 years of our married life was washed away by Flood. We are now starting over again but the experience made us stronger and not only closer to each other but to our LORD.

    There is always something good out of the shortcomings and trials we encounter in our lives. All we have to do is listen deep in our hearts. GOD is conversing with us in our daily lives through the emails we received, the songs we hear in the radio, the quotes/sayings we read, the persons we meet each day. Sometimes it is not just a coincidence. It's God's way of communicating to us. All we have to do is LISTEN and FEEL his presence.

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  179. What Plans? I don’t have one and never had one. But deep thoughts and original unique ideas fascinate me. What some people consider failed plan I consider it an idea added to my existing ideas and experiences. All ideas are good ideas even failed ones because then I can analyze the next step. I believe that as long as I’m obedient to God, He is the one who gives me the desires of my heart and I just follow these.

    “Obey God and leave all the consequences up to Him- by Charles Stanley”

    You must wonder what I do in life. All I can say is that next time you pick up something from a Pharmacy/Drug Store or Hospital around the world, there’s 80% percent possibility that that is sterilized by one of my designs.

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  180. Well, honestly, I get so sad.... I always look back and reflect what went wrong and sometimes blame others for the result of my own actions. There are cases that I just say to myself : "hindi....may pag -asa pa.... just don't loose hope and start all over again". But sometimes this tends to be tiring. Sometimes I even ask God if what had happened or what is practically happening is His will because I will gladly accept it. Di ba nga there's this saying : "kapag hindi ukol, Hindi bubukol". In this difficult times, I pray harder because I know God has His own reason for everything that is happening to me. Yes, frustration is there... I won't be hypocrite about it. Tao lang naman tayo di ba? Kaya what I do, I don't stop communicating with my God even if things are not going my way. Maybe there is something else for me that I know God has planned for me and it's even better than what i expect! :)

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  181. ma.elicia graneta17 July 2008 at 21:56

    kuya bo, wen i read ur topic today from my inbox, i felt like crying...kc po..ang dami q n plans n hindi po talaga nangyayari..kung minsan, nagtatampo po aq k God kc bat ung iba,,nagyayari ung mga plans nila..ba't aq..parang hindi?...kung anu aq ngayun..malau sa pinangarap q nun..at pinapangarap q p rin hanggang ngayun..nag-aral aq sa isang catholic university..at nkatapos ng bs biology pra matupad ang pangarap kong magong isang doktor dahill iisa lang ang doctor sa aming bayan...i never stopped praying to God.claiming his promises..."ask and you shall receive.., if u remain in me, i remain in you...ask anything in God's name and it will be given to you...."..only one thing keeps me alive now...which also keeps me stronger and still hopeful..are God.s mighty, powerful words..His promises to his sons and daughters..i will nevr stop praying and trusting God..i have submitted evrything to Him...He is my evrything...may His will be done, not mine..kung isa lng aq clerk ngayun dito sa makati..ihindi q to ikakahiya..kahit malau ito sa tinapos q...i believe..God has a perfect purpose and plan fpr me..i just nid to be obedient to him..to acknowledge him in everything i do...to glorify His name in all i do...yes, lage po aq nasasaktan, disappointed at nagbibigo...anung gagawin q with all these?...CRY?..yes i cry..but life must go on..marami p namn pong pwedeng mangyari dba?..salamat nlng po at may isang kuya bo sanchez...tnx po..ur such a blessing...God bless po..and more ower..i hope and pray to see u in person.. to my fellow readers and subscribers...let' thank God for all d failures and disappointments..if u have read God's cake...all these trials make up God's cake!!ingredients lng po ang mga toh..to make us one perfect cake baked by God!!!

    LOVE U PO JESUS!

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  182. hi. this is my first time to write to you. i've been reading your books and kerygma magazine and I find so much inspiration from those. Really, i admire you Bro. Bo for your faith and for the inspiration you give and share to lots of people.

    When my plans don't happen, I try not to dwell so much on it. I believe that everything happens for a reason and whatever plans God has for me, I know it's the best plan. HIs will not mine be done.

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  183. Good day!

    When there are times that i feel frustrated, i always remember a text message that was sent to me...."God won't take to where God's grace won't protect me"...

    Plans may fail...dreams may not come true...but who knows what we really deserve, what our real purpose maybe...or where will be tomorrow...only HIM who can answers that...

    i just ask HIM..."just lead me to where you want to take me"...

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  184. Elow po, Bro. Bo,

    Marami sa ating mga mananampalataya ang namumuhay parin sa maling akala na
    "pag malapit ka kay Lord, di kana makakaranas ng frustrations at lahat ng hihilingin mo ay ibibigay nya"...

    Matagal akong namuhay sa ganun. Tinatanong ko pa ang Diyos kung bakit nangyayari sa akin ang "ganito at ganyan"..

    But God really blessed me with spiritual friends who keeps me sane. hehehe... I have a priest friend, at iba pang mga kapatid sa pananampalataya na walang sawa at kung nagsasawa man eh pinagtyatyagaan talagang makinig sa mga hinaing ko sa buhay.

    Whenever i feel sad or frustrated, i just cry before the Lord. as in cry na parang bata na nagsusumbong at hindi nagtatanong..
    I treasure the moment being with Him.
    Sabi nga sa isang text message sa akin, "when God says NO, it does not mean rejection but a REDIRECTION.

    Pinanghahawakan ko ang salita nya sa Jeremiah 29:11...
    God is faithful to His promises.

    "We are not in control of everything. God is"...

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  185. Hi Bro. Bo,

    I have read a book that said that our life on earth was already planned by God even before we were born. Upon reading that line, I had several questions in mind: Does it mean that there is no need to plan for our future since God has planned it for us? Does it mean that everything that has happened to us was part of God's plan (even the sins we committed?) Is it the reason why even with the brilliant planning, some plans still fail since it is not what has God has planned for us? Whew! Well, I don't want to believe in everything that I come across with during my reading. It could drive me nuts! But I'm looking forward on your next article...I know a lot of people will be blessed by it...Thanks...

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  186. 2 years ago, I resigned from a tight but high-paying job to form my own company. Contrary to my plans, the business did not do well until I ran out of capital and resources. Unpaid bills and debts follow. Creditors began running after me. I was and until now, bankrupt and in great financial crisis.

    These were the times when I personally learned to know God. Although I have been in a Catholic community for more than 10 years, it is in those 2 years that I experienced Him. Do you know the song "God will make a way" sang by Don Moen? That song became my national anthem. In every crucial moments that I had, God has bailed me out, sometimes, even upto the last minute. Unexpected help came, unexpected projects came, unexpected people help. Truely, as the song says, "He works His ways we could not see." (Try to internalize the song, it's good for someone like me).

    At present, nothing has changed and I'm still bankrupt. But I am hanging on knowing that the Lord has a better plan for me. I'm still asking Him the whys but I am now learning to wait patiently. I still worry (a lot) but at the end of the day, I have learned to offer Him those worries.

    Lastly, I want to share Jesus words in Matthew 11:25. "I thank thee, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes." God wanted us to become like a child, innocent and dependent, in order to become truly sons of God. However, it is difficult of us to do so because pride, stubborness, impatience, etc. are inherent in us, human. It is in these "crisis times" that we become vulnerable and once again become like a child, dependent and humble, in front of God. So I say, let us thank God if we do not get what we wants because God is giving us the best. Believe me, it's better than what you can imagine.

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  187. hi sa buhay ng isang tao napakahirap ang umasa at mabigo.Hindi naman ako masamang tao at wala naman akong inaagrabiyadong tao.

    may mga bagay na inaasahan mo sa buhay hiniling mo sa DIYOS pero parang kabaigtaran ang nangyayari at masakit tanggapin na taliwas sa iyong inaasahan ang dumarating sa akin.

    Sa ganitong pagkakataon kapag nakakadama ako ng kabiguan isa lang ang aking ginagawa.

    Kukunin ko agad ang aking gitara yayakapin ko siya sabay sa pagtulo ng aking luha kasama ko siyang aawit sa PANGINOON.Hindi ako titigil hanggat nararamdaman ko pa ang bigat sa aking puso.

    lahat ng hinaing ko dadaanin ko sa pagawit sa PANGINOON sa pamamagitan nito naipaparating ko sa KANYA ang lahat ng LAMAN ng pusot isipan ko.

    At kapag naramdaman ko na ang haplos ng kanyang kapayapaan sa aking puso saka lng ako humihintong tumugtog at umawit.


    saka ko maiisip na maaaring may ibang plano sa akin ang AMA.

    PRAISE THE LORD

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  188. Every one of us have the best plan that don't ussually happen and we reacted in a very different way, mostly cry, some leave those plan to God and others ask "why me?"

    When our plan don't happen, we leave it to God, we "LET GO AND LET GOD" but I tell you eventhough how much we try to forget or accept that we don't have that plan for our life, we still get frustrated, we still go back to that time why we don't have that plan, we said it to our self that if that plan happenend I will not be suffering these way, I should be happy and contented, right? If that plan happened we could have the best husband or wife or family or job or life we've wanted, but its the other way around.

    Today, when I open my mail I have these in my inbox and I want to share it with you...

    " JOY IN THE MORNING ... AFTER THE MOURNING"
    Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning" The reality is that disappointment, heartache, grief, and sorrow come to all of us at some time or another. Sooner or later we are all going to lose an opportunity, our job, our investment, or a loved one. It takes time to work through and resolve our grief ( and we need supporting friends or family to help us do this) But when we do, we can come out a more understaning and caring persons and better able to support others who are going through sad times. FOR WHATEVER ENCOURAGEMENT IT MAY BE, TRY TO REMEMEMBER THAT NO MATTER HOW DISAPPOINTED YOU ARE FEELING OR HOW MUCH YOU ARE HURTING RIGHT NOW, KNOW THAT EVERY HEARTACHE AND LOSS HAS WITHIN IT THE SEEDS OF OPPORTUNITY. Hidden within each disappointment is a pearl of great price, which, when found, will dwarf your problem.

    With God's help you and I can do the same. TRUST HIM.

    Thanks Bro.Bo, you are always an inspiration to us.

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  189. ... And I will lead you to the dessert... where I will speak with you....

    When things go wrong, when things go bad... I complain to God. Sometimes I let God I was angry at Him. I may also be rebellious. Sometimes, though, I beg God for help. Or let Him know I was badly hurt. Other time I asked for guidance and strength or even acceptance.

    Depending on the situation, I react differently. But one thing is assured, I talked to God -- complaining, being mad, letting him know I'm rebelling… begging, asking for help.

    And when the feeling subside. Or when I finally let it go. He talks back at me. And I feel so much loved and blessed by Him.

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  190. Hi bro. Bo

    What will i do when i get disappointed, get hurt or fail?
    When i get disappointed i just think positive i dont focus of the things that makes me disappoint. When i get hurt , i will cry i will let the feelings of hurt gone after that i will feel refresh and start to live life to the fullest.

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  191. everyday is a challenge to me..either good or bad things happen everyday. whenever good things happen, i glorify God. but when bad things come along, i can get frustrated and depressed. Nobody wants to be depressed but we can't help it, especially me. getting depressed can be so tiring that my heart doesn't want to feel so anymore. i just learned to reflect and accept things which aren't pleasing and frustrating...that God lets those things happen for a reason..that those are His blessing from which we can grow and become stronger. whenever trials come my way, i learn to listen to Him. i learn not to complain, i learn to put reasons behind them - that God loves me and He wants me to grow in His love out of those unpleasant things. whenever i think of Him behind those trials, my heart is at peace. Sabi ko nga: "Lord, ikaw ba yan? thank you for letting me feel this way." then i feel relaxed and cry a happy tear coz i know and feel that He touches me once again. and i call it BLESSING.

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  192. I read this from a book and it quite had an impact on me. I do not seek much happiness anymore on earth because I can never be really happy here...I will always long for heaven - the place where I can finally be with God. There will be moments of joy I am sure, but we are not made for earth, we are made for heaven. When I can't solve a situation anymore, I just leave it all to God and get out of His way. He always rescues me. My task is to work out my faith on Him.

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  193. DEAR PHARMACIST TO BE!
    YES ! YOU WILL BE, IN HIS OWN TIME!!! YOU HAVE THE RIGHT ATTITUDE , SO TRY AND TRY AGAIN. " A QUITTER NEVER WINS, A WINNER NEVER QUITS." AT ISA PA BATA KA PA, MARAMI PANG NAGHIHINTAY NA MGA OPPORTUNITIES SA 'YO. JUST HOLD ON TO GOD AND HE WILL SURELY SHOW YOU THE WAY. WE'LL PRAY FOR YOU, AND WE WILL BE THE FIRST ONE TO KNOW, OKAY?
    GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS!
    THANKS BRO. BO !

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  194. Hi, Bro. Bo! (and co-readers as well!) I'm subscribed to your weekly newsletter but it's only now that i got the chance to reply.

    Dreams that don't happen are tough. I think no one in this world is excused in disappointments and failure. But in the story that I'm going to share with you, it's all about being POSITIVE and continuing to look at the brighter side of life.

    Early this year, I have decided that I will take an MBA major in Human Resources Management. Since I am working in an educational institution, we are given an opportunity to be grantees by the school - a share of our tuition fee will be shouldered by the institution. I applied for the scholarship and it was approved.

    Late summer, there was an instruction from the owner of the school to prioritize the top and middle officers of the school for the scholarship grant. since i belong to the rank and file, my grant was put on hold. Since I don't have enough money to finance my graduate studies, I slowly saw my dream faded.

    Of course I was disappointed! my plan was already ironed out. i imagine typing my letter to Bro. Bo with an MBA title after my name =) !

    In this kind of situation, you'll have two options: cry and be cynical about it (or worse, resign out of "sama ng loob") or cry BUT wipe your tears and continue to move on. Since I had the choice (we always do), I chose the second option.

    I'm currently enrolled in Education Units (still in school where I am working). It's not that expensive so I can finance myself. I told myself that I have my colleagues to help me out if I want to really learn other aspects of human resources. I also thought that I'm literate and can read human resources books and I can also ask permission from my boss if I want to attend HR seminars.

    think I can live without the MBA title on my name? yes, i think so (for now).

    God bless everyone!

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  195. Hello Bro. Bo,

    I have a prayer that goes like this:
    "Lord please sustain me for just another day".

    I have plans which if they don't succeed, frustrates me and saddens me.

    Lately I talked to a friend who is a priest. I narrated on him about my driving lessons and how it goes.

    I said, "You know what Father? I think I lack coordination in my driving."

    And he asked, "Why?"

    I answered, "It's because when I get too focused with the road signs and the multiple lanes and with the footbrake and gas, I lose control of my steering and there you go... the car goes swirving on the road."

    He answered, "You don't lack coordination."

    "You lack C-O-U-R-A-G-E-."

    Which I think is right.

    That's why my prayer right now goes like this:
    "Lord please sustain me with your C-O-U-R-A-G-E- for just another day."

    Amen.

    Have a great weekend everybody and God bless!

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  196. Everytime my plansfall short, I always asked God why...tinatanong ko sya kung bakit di yon nag-materialize???And I asked him to speak to be his will...I am weak when it comes to decision making...lagi akong takot magkamali...madami akong what ifs....dumating yung time na nagplan akong magdecide and that is kalimutan yung kaibigan ko because of my hidden feelings sa bf niya pero it seems God don't want what was happening...He teach me a lesson....di nya ako biniyayaan ng moment together with the guy na obviously isa sa main plans ko...what he did is that he make me feel how important my friends are......masakit sa 'king muling magtago ng nararamdaman ko...pero I think I have to wait for the right time.....I already talk to God na......humingi ako ng 2 years...na if kami magkakahiwalay sila after 2 years...pag hindi, may ipakikilala sya sa 'king magmamahal at mamahalin ko after 2 years....narealized kong "GOD'S PLAN IS WORTH WAITING FOR" .....kaya kahit matagal pa yung 2 years.......siguro I will make most of its day to make myself a RIGHT WOMAN for my RIGHT MAN.....

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  197. julius christian santos19 July 2008 at 00:36

    gud day po.. 1st tym ko po mgemail d2.. whenever my plans don't happen, i just close my eyes and pray.. iniisip ko nlng na may mas maganda pang nkalaan para skin si God... maybe God wants me to pick up something much better and best for me..Godbless you all..

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  198. Hi Bro. Bo,

    Your piece seem timely on my present dilemma. I've been taking the bar exams for the last 3 years and yet the preparation, hardworks were never enough to hurdle the exam . In times of despreration I always ask god why and what have I done wrong? As of now i am praying that his will be done, I am trying to accept that he is the planner of our lives. please pray for my inner peace. Godbless.

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  199. hello bo.;}

    iv experienced too many failures in my life, and the only ally that i have is God. not that i didnt blame him for some of those hurt n failures, nor never questioned his love for me at those trying times. but God is always there, and he has blessed me. i have been betrayed by previous boyfriends, failed the bar exam twice, my family having trouble with our finances,. but in those trying times, i survived. cause even if some people betrayed me, i fail myself and my familys expectations and dreams torn to pieces, God showed me love through his blessings...now im blessed with a supportive and loving family, a fiance that loves me truly and friends that are true. i now entail all my plans to God, if he wants me to become a lawyer, he will grant my hearts desire in his time. all i know is, wherever we may be, whatever situation we are in, God will always be there for us. we just need to have faith. God bless us all.

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  200. What do you do when God seems not to answer your prayer?

    I think everybody can relate to this. We always wonder why God doesn't "answer" all our prayers. I just keep on praying for more guidance, understanding and patience.

    I'm sure we all realize by now that He does answer our prayers in His own time since He always does what is best for us. We may not understand why things don't seem to go our way at the time it's happening. Later on we finally realize that there is a reason for everything. We get the "A-ha!" moment. =)

    What do you do you when you get hurt, disappointed, and fail?

    I talk (ok - maybe vent) to my friends about it since it helps alleviate the pain and usually makes me realize why it happened and what to do about it. It's always good to get other people's perspectives and to place ourselves in "other people's shoes." Of course, I also pray for God's help since it always makes our load much lighter and enlightens our minds and spirit.
    As they say - "Let go and let God."

    It's not easy to forgive nor forget the hurt but we make the best out of it - like appyling whatever we learn from what happened - so it will make us a better/stronger person.

    Thanks for all the articles that you and your team write. They usually come at a time when I need them. I also read Didache every morning to help me start my day right.

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