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             I 
              asked God: 
            I asked God to take away my pain. 
              God said, No. 
              It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up.  
            I asked God to make my handicapped child whole. 
              God said, No. 
              Her spirit was whole, her body was only temporary.  
            I asked God to grant me patience. 
              God said, No. 
              Patience is a by-product of tribulations; it isn't granted, it is 
              earned.  
            I asked God to give me happiness. 
              God said, No. 
              I give you blessings. Happiness is up to you.  
            I asked God to spare me pain. 
              God said, No.  
              Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer 
              to me. 
             I asked God to make my spirit grow. 
              God said, No. 
              You must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful. 
             I asked for all things that I might enjoy life.  
              God said, No.  
              I will give you life so that you may enjoy all things. 
             I ask God to help me LOVE 
              others, as much as he loves me.  
              God said... Ahhhh, finally you have the idea.  
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