asking for something and getting it

‘Ask and ye shall receive.’ This is what the Bible tells us. The Chinese state it more cautiously when they say, ‘Be careful of what you ask for, you might get it.’ Many times in life, I did ask, and guess what? I did receive many times in amounts that often were quite overwhelming. (This inludes the material stuff—Ipods, cars, cell phones, etc.. although this entry is about much more than that). Some of them I continue to receive in doses that I can handle. Some I got when I stopped asking. And many more I received and continue to do so even if I do not always have the wisdom to expressly ask for them! Here’s a list of what I have asked for, and received, some of them in abundance. Thank you Universe!

I asked that I would someday own a house.

I asked that I would be able to sing and write my own songs.


I asked that someday I would get to do at least one recording in my life.


I wished that I would have one small photo published somewhere so I could claim to be a published photographer.


My third book Writing On Water

I dreamed of having my writings published—in some magazine, and if I am lucky, maybe get a book published and released.

I prayed that I would be able to travel!

I wanted to perform in at least two other countries aside from the Philippines.

I prayed that I would be given a chance to have some sort of positive impact in the lives of some people.

I asked that I be able to teach a course or subject I conceptualized myself.

I asked that I be able to meet and recognize the many faces of God through as many people–that I may see Buddha-nature, or Christ in every sentient being, and in as many places and situations as possible— (This is my ongoing my spiritual practice).

I asked that I may be allowed to touch the core of the very meaning of life and understand it. (This is being given in doses I can handle–most of the time).

I asked that I may have the gift of constantly seeing the eternal reality that seems covered behind every fleeting moment and situation.

I asked for beautiful, healthy children to raise and love.

I asked that I be blest with a long lasting and a loving relationship with my significant other.

I asked that I may understand and accept myself just as I am so that I may understand and accept others just as they are. (I’m getting there slowly. Some days, it is harder than others).

I asked that I may see the real mission assigned to me in this life. (Sometimes it is quite clear. Sometimes, not at all, although these days it has quite been clear).

I asked for enough wealth that I don’t worry too much about keeping body and soul together.

I asked for enough fame and recognition I can handle.

I ask that I may be reminded to always stay in the present as often as I can.

I asked for the ever-renewing capacity to be happy.

I pray that the “I” who asks for all this will always be able to give up and surrender to the bigger “I” who really runs everything.

I pray that all may experience the ever-present gift of Oneness. (This I KNOW will eventually be recognized by everyone).

What’s on your list?

* * *


Photographer caught in the act! Thanks to maricar Lopez for the picture.

There is one rather mundane wish that has been on my mind for sometime which will finally come true. There will be an exhibition of my photographs this Dec. 8, 2005 at the Renaissance Gallery in Megamall. I have been wishing this for sometime and decided to take the wonderful and creative step of actually doing it. I was at Studio 58, my printer of choice to finalize the 30 or so pictures which will be exhibited. The subjects have something to do with, (A for air) as in clouds, fog , (Water) water, boats and beach, and and (Earth) flora and landscapes. Thus I am calling it JIM PAREDES IN A.W.E.—a Photographic Exhibition! It will run for only a week. I hope you can visit and who knows, buy a photo or two..or three! Pasko na!

27 thoughts on “asking for something and getting it”

  1. This is really inspiring. I am now learning to ask more and more for the right reasons. Perhaps, someday, I will be able to publish my photos.

  2. thanks, jim. now i can claim to be a “published” photographer. next step, print. 🙂

    sayang, i won’t be able to make it to your exhibit, dec 16 pa ang dating ko diyan. i’ll ask my relatives & friends to go on my behalf. 🙂

    see ya!

    -maricar

  3. -I hope someday that I get to do at least one recording =O

    -I wish that some day I get to go on tour in the US and Japan

    -I hope someday I become a high school/collegiate physics instructor.

    I think the things we hope, wish, and ask for are ultimately up to ourselves : making them happen, working hard, and believing in yourself is key.

    I’d like to buy your book =O. I think my uncle is going to the ‘Pinas in a month or so. Hopefully he’ll be able to snag one for me!

  4. enigma–see you there!

    joey–I know you will be able to publish them if you so desire it.

    maricar–congrats! Yes, please tell relatives and friends about the exhibit.

    ang-That our dreams will come true may seem too remotely possible at the onset. But the universe is designed to align and cooperate when we make declarations. That’s what Paolo Coelho says and I believe it. And that is how it has been for me When we do our share, we send a signal for assistance and it comes from friends, strangers–anything God can use.

    Good luck in all your endeavors.

  5. Very nice post Jim,and inspiring too.

    Although sometimes I never get what I ask for,I try understand that there is always a reason for this. 🙂

    More power Jim,and I’ll try to drop by the exhibit. Have a nice one…

  6. as always, you put soul into your words and they’re truly inspiring.

    and yes, sir jim, i’ll be there to catch your photo exhibit.

    good luck and congratulations in advance!

  7. 🙂 Will try to drop by at your exhibit. I have also asked the Lord for things in my life and He is indeed kind enough to give what I ask when He sees it fit to give them to me.

  8. awesome list and accomplishments.

    for now, 1) i just want to play guitar then perform at coffeshops and small bars, 2) travel to Europe and take pictures, and 3) have my own photo exhibit someday.

    sarap mangarap.

    p.s. sayang one week lang exhibit. hindi ko na aabutan pag uwi ko sa Pasko.

  9. i have a humble wish: to see you ,danny & boboy perform live. otherwise, i am a simple & contented person with no big dreams!
    i congratulate you for having achieved all you wished for. you deserve it.

  10. hazel, screwedup, jey, vanillaskies, slitherdude–Dec. 8 to 15. Best to go on the 9th up since magulo pa yung first day and it opens in the evening na. See you there.

    coolmel–at the rate you are improving with your guitar playing, di malayong mangyari ang mga pangarap mo! good luck.

    Girlie– you will see us one of these days. APO is forever. heh heh.

    babypink, Rey, Tiffany–Thanks so much. I would like to see your lists too.

  11. sir jim,

    sayang di ko ata makikita exhibit mo sa Megamall but kudos in advance. Another milestone to your creative endeavors. malalagay din kaya yung photos sa photography website mo?

  12. And all we have to do is ask, so true. I guess the tough part there is to recognize the answers, or sometimes even, to believe that we will receive.

    Cngratulations and good luck on the exhibit.

  13. benjie–hopefully I will be able to. these will be limited poieces since they are for sale.

    jet–yes. The olther important thing is to NOT stand in the way, or to change our minds when we ask for something. Our creative blocks sabotage our own power to ask by believeing we are not worthy of God’s abundance and so do not recognise gifts when they are given. In fact, many times, we send them back!

    This is just one of the things we tackle in the creativity workshops I conduct..

  14. that’s a good reminder. thanks, jim. i have asked a lot in the past and have been given (travel, health, work). but lately, haven’t really done so. it’s high time to do it again

  15. thank you for writing this. i keep on forgetting to ask for what i want, sometimes even to ask for what i need. i have spent a good deal of time cursing at the powers that be because of serial unfortunate events, but i think i will make a new list now. or at least ask that i change the way i see unfortunate events.

  16. hey sophie and sandro–thanks for the visit. And I am glad this blog has opened something for you. Just make sure that when you do ask, don’t stand in the way of getting it, or worse, keep sending them back!

  17. amen to that mr. paredes… when i was in grade school i always wished i could write and people would read it… and now i do by blogging 😛
    may i write an entry about this on my blog? my brain is flooding with crazy ideas after i read them…
    -johanna

  18. it’s indeed quite a magical mystery tour .. this life …
    the alignment of the universe ..we’re just small nano beings in this infinite vastness ..
    you’re OK Jim … such musings …

  19. that was great jim! i would like to congratulate you on your exhibition. i am sure it will be a resounding success. i’ve always admired you, danny and buboy for all that you are, aside from being excellent performers. i remember saving my allowance in college just to save for a ticket for your concert.

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