Archives at Zinester: "Full Circle". "I Believe in You!".

Subject: "Full Circle" - January09, 2007

"I Believe in You!"

A message of Hope, stories from the road.

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Hello, my friend!

"Oh, the weather outside is...unseasonably warm." The song is just not the same.

It's been in the 50's and 60's here in early January. 30 and 40 feels like a cold blast.

I'm not complaining at all.

Guess what? January 12th marks two years since Marianne had her operation. (Double Mastectomy)

She is doing very well and continues her treatment for up to three more years. Eleven pills a day. One injection a month.

I will post an updated photo of her in my gallery this weekend.

Your prayers, our faith and God's grace has brought us to this remarkable moment in time.

Life has a way of going "Full Circle."

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Perks Pearl of Wisdom

"I will never gain by "taking" anything from another human being. But I grow in leaps by giving joyfully all I have to offer and graciously accepting what is offered to me." Bob Perks

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These messages are f r e e...

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Thanks, my friend!

Bob and Marianne

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Today's Message:

I can remember the feeling. I can even see myself slumped over, humiliated and hurt as I walked away.

I will admit that until this past weekend the thought of it remained just below the surface. Not that it ruled my life. Not that it prevented me from going on.

I began to see it as a valuable lesson.

It was just that it was there, unresolved, until last Friday.

I do not like revenge. I do not enjoy "getting back" at anyone. But I do appreciate the little twists in fate that occur in my life that prove to me there certainly is a God.

The first time I ever attended a professional speaker's conference was in Washington D.C.

I just started in the business as a professional speaker. I had written a book, "The Flight of a Lifetime!" and being like a kid in a candy store, I wandered around the conference in awe of mixing with the big name super stars whom I came to love and appreciate.

My goal was to give a copy of my book to three favorites and tell them how much I appreciated their influence on my personal life through the years.

I was determined to meet Zig Ziglar, Les Brown and one other I will not reveal.

Within a few hours I had accomplished just that. The thrill of meeting them face to face left me speechless.

One graciously accepted my book and thanked me.

One shook my hand and as I turned to walk away he said, "Wait! Please would you autograph it for me?"

I was shocked. I couldn't even imagine a super star speaker like him asking ME to autograph a book.

I stopped the third one in the hallway of the conference center and said, "You have no idea the great impact you have had on my life. I have so enjoyed your work. I want you to have a copy of my first book."

He looked at it and then turned back to me and said, "Thanks, but I won't read it. You'd just be wasting a book." He then handed it back to me and walked away.

Three incredible individuals. Three men who, through their own words helped me through some difficult times.

I was new to the business and feeling so lost at that conference. That is until Zig accepted it graciously and Les asked me to autograph it.

There was one more event that day. I returned to my hotel room and there was a message from my wife. She was weeping uncontrollably. My father had died.

My first conference, my first day, but I had to leave.

In the past ten years as a member of that group I only attended one more conference. That was to meet Bette Mandino the wife of my all time favorite writer, Og Mandino.

But life goes full circle.

I was contacted the other day by that third speaker. He wrote to tell me he was about to use one of my stories. Of course, he needed my permission.

How incredibly odd. He didn't want a thing to do with my words back then and nearly 9 years later he found value in them.

I could have gotten revenge and simply said "No!"

Through the years I could have told this story a thousand times even revealing the name of this man.

But I learned so much from that experience. He actually gave me a valuable gift.

You see, he taught me to be a gracious receiver. To open my hands and humbly accept what is given to me.

By accepting, one adds value not only to the gift, but to the giver.

That's why I couldn't refuse him when he asked to use my work.

It takes so little to be gracious and kind.

To be a gracious receiver is as important as being a gracious giver.

Revenge played no part in any of this because I could see God in it.

He was smiling down on me at the very moment I wrote back to the gentlemen with these words... "I am blessed to know that you found value in my story. I hope your readers do, too.

You have my permission to use my words."

Through the years I came to believe that he might have thought he was truly doing me a favor by turning down the book. Still, this wide-eyed new guy in the business would have been more grateful if he simply took it, never read it and passed it on to someone else.

I would never had known and I would have been better for it.

No, wait...I am better for it.

Today, I have a full life for all that is good goes "Full Circle."

"I believe in You!"

I encourage you to share my stories with your friends but, when

copying I ask that you keep my name and contact information

attached so that new readers can find their way here. Use of this

story for commercial use is prohibited without direct permission

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Your Comments... If you would like to share brief comment

about today's message, please write to Bob@BobPerks.com

I will use only first names and no email addresses.

Bob, Thank You so much for your wonderful inspiration!!!!!! Into the day I go......

Have a wonderful day!

I always look forward to your stories, they make me smile. Hugs to you and Marianne!!

Sandy

Everything works out in the end. If it hasn't worked out, it's not the end.
Have a Happy Healthy New Year!!!

Dear Bob~

My feet seemed heavier today. My temper shorter. My thoughts dark. The weight of my family responsibilities sometimes make my shoulders droop.

I stepped outside to go to the car this evening as I carried my granddaughter's soiled play clothes and damp towel and toiletries from her soak in Auntie's tub. I looked up and to the west. What an amazing sight! My vision may have dimmed some but I still experienced the awesome beauty of a Florida winter sunset.

My shoulders lifted. My grumpous **a special word we use in the family for anyone acting like a snarling old bear** mood vanished immediately. Tears of gratitude burst from my eyes. "Into HIS way" I stepped.

Thank you, again~Just when I need it the most, HE sends a friend I have never met that resembles an angel. God bless you real big, my friend!

Love, light, and blessings~Mama T

Bob,

WOW! What a sunrise. You truly are going into the day. Beautiful! I hope your New Year is prosperous and healthy and happy. Love ya bunches and always. Betty

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"I wish you enough!"
Bob

Bob Perks is a professional speaker, author and vocalist.
Member National Speakers Association.
Visit http://www.BobPerks.com

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"I wish you enough!"
written by Bob Perks (c) 2001

"I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish you enough "Hello's" to get you through the final "Goodbye."