Trusting God Beyond Material Wishes
Susan Narrating
I love Sunday mornings.
They’re slow, soft, and sacred like a fresh start wrapped in sunlight. Every time I wake up, I feel happy, alive, and oddly hopeful. There’s a golden ray peeking through our window, and somehow… the world just feels kind.
Then Oishi, my badoodle, wakes up. And I kid you not, he opens my drawer (yes, really) and pulls out my small Bible. The one my mom gave me back in my rebellion days. That’s Oishi’s way of saying, “Let’s pray.”
So we did.
“Thank You, Lord, for this beautiful day.”
Just then, we heard a knock.
It was Boyo, our neighbor. “Get ready for church!”
So we got moving. I took a shower and regretted doing it before giving Oishi a bath. He wagged, shook, and soaked me in dog-scented droplets. He hates showers. I love watching him look slightly less composed, no glasses, no red bandana just soggy and suspicious.
We got dressed, grabbed a quick bite (quick, not full because the best part of Sundays is post-church barbecue). So. Much. Fun. 😆💃🍢✨
Oishi Narrating
The streets were alive. The sun is shining, people are dancing Zumba. Barkmates were out. My cat “friend” Fippo was sitting on the mailbox, judging every passerby like it’s his job. Joggers jogged, others chatted, and someone even let the sunshine kiss their face while sitting peacefully on a bench.
Susan scooped me up. I thought it was because she was feeling holy.
Nope.
She leaned in and whispered, “Oishi… I’m hungry.”
Of course.
I had been nudging her toward the rice cooker earlier, but she refused. She said she’d eat after church.
Inside the church, the priest began reading:
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you…” — Matthew 7:7
Susan knelt down. I thought, Wow, she’s being sincere today.
And then I heard her whisper:
“Lord, please… iPhone 16. And PRO. Maybe plant the idea in Boyo’s head? He seems to like me.”
🐾 Paw to my forehead.
The priest continued:
“Which of you, if your child asks for bread, would give them a stone?
Or if they ask for fish, would give a snake?
If you who are flawed know how to give good gifts…
How much more your Father in heaven?”
Then he preached.
He said:
“Yes, God invites us to ask. But that verse isn’t about a shopping list it’s about trust.
A relationship.
Sometimes, we ask for an iPhone. Or a car.
And sure, those desires aren’t bad.
But like a loving father, God sees what’s actually good and what isn’t.”
Susan and I side-eyed each other. She tried not to laugh. I barked once in support of the priest.
Sermon Summary (a.k.a. What Susan Needed to Hear)
🔸 Asking means pursuing God, not just gifts.
🔸 The “good things” He gives? Think peace, wisdom, strength — not just gadgets.
🔸 Not everything we want is good for us.
So God sometimes says:
- Yes (because it’s right – and we’re ready)
- No (because it could harm us)
- Not yet (because we’re not ready – maybe because He’s still pruning us, helping us grow before the gift comes)
It’s not about being perfect in prayer — it’s about being close.
God isn’t a vending machine. He’s a Father.
And somehow, that’s better.
Susan nodded during the homily.
I could tell she got it.
Later That Day…
We left church. Susan walked directly to the siopao stand. Halfway through her first bite, she asked Boyo, “What time is the barbecue?” Turns out… it was lunch. She lit up like a child on Christmas.
We ate, we laughed. I got a chicken skewer. (Don’t judge me — I’m part of the family.)
It was a good day.
Susan forgot about the neighbor who sang “My Way” at 11 PM the night before.
We went home.
Tired, full, happy.
And before the day ended… we both whispered:
“Thank You, Lord.”
God’s love is fatherly, not transactional. He’s more into our growth than our wish list.
But He’ll always listen to the wish list too because to Him, it’s part of loving you.
Still rising. Still barking. 🐾
Susan & Oishi
Ember - Fire and Soul 