Archives at Zinester: "Spit Shine". "I Believe in You!".

Subject: "Spit Shine" - March19, 2007

"I Believe in you!"

A message of Hope...stories from the road.

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It is a Monday. The day we begin again, start over, return to what we left behind last

Moan, mumble, growl. No! Stop it! Go back and get the newspaper you fumbled through

this morning. Turn to that page that lists the names of those who have no more Mondays.

Then stop and say "thanks, God. I'm sorry."

Oh, Monday, I love you more than ever. Tuesday, Wednesday and all the rest...you're looking

Make it a great week!

AOL continues to block the service I use to send my stories.

All of my "friends" on AOL have not been getting my messages

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Perks Pearl of Wisdom

"There are some who spend a lifetime trying to strike it rich. The real joy in

living is in finding the riches in every moment of a lifetime." Bob Perks

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Appreciate what I do?

Here's how you can help me:

This link will take you to my web page for more information,

shopping, and ways you can help.

I humbly thank you in advance...

Love always and all ways,

Bob and Marianne Perks

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I can't remember the last time I did this. I know some of you might think

"I always thought he would be a well groomed man."

"I can't even imagine how he would appear in public as a speaker and not

look his very best."

Wait a minute. I did. I just did it the easy way.

I bought a new pair of shoes last week. I can tell I'm getting older. I went for the

practical, comfortable shoe instead of the stylish name brand.

Well, they were made by Nunn Bush. Not that it makes me sound like a rich guy.

They are "leather uppers" and they have a "comfort gel" heel in them. But they look a

little like orthopedic corrective shoes. Not that there's anything wrong with those, but

they appear practical rather than stylish.

But it's just what I wanted.

So, what's the big deal?

I just polished them. So?

I didn't use the bottled liquid wax applicator with the sponge top. That's quick and easy.

I popped open a can of Kiwi brown polish, grabbed an old white sneaker sock and

inch by inch rubbed the polish gently into the leather. Then I followed it up with a shoe brush

made specifically for shining shoes.

I haven't done that in years. I can prove it. The price on the can was 54 cents. When

was the last time you paid 54 cents for anything?

So, what's my point?

It took time. Everything else in my life has been modified to fit into little time slots. If it doesn't

fit, I find a quicker way to do it.

I can remember when I was in the Navy in boot camp, we had to "spit shine" our black

dress shoes. Not inch by inch, but in tiny little circles until it looked like glass.

Dip. Circle, circle. Spit. Circle, circle. Polish. That's one spot.

I did the same for my boots.

Why? Because I needed to pass inspection. I spent hours on this just for one split second when

someone who out ranked me would walk by. God forbid he'd stop and really look.

Push ups. If you messed up, you pushed up.

When I decided today that I needed to really shine my new shoes, I knew there was more to it than

I was thinking about my life. Why did I stop thinking about the little details that make big impressions?

I reached for the bottle of liquid brown wax figuring it would take maybe three minutes. This time I found myself

digging through the container for real polish.

It's my life. It needs some attention. It needs to be gone over in little circles without missing a spot.

In doing so I can cover up the scratches and scrapes from years of hurry. I can gently apply the

polish and then vigorously buff it up to make it shine like it once did years ago.

Do you know what will happen?

I'll walk a little taller. I'll slow down a bit so people will have a chance to notice.

"Hey, look at Bob. Where's my sun glasses? He's lookin' bright and shiny."

I bet if I did this more often my attitude would change. I'd smile more, walk the walk of a man

with new shoes looking to be noticed. I bet it would rub off on others, too. They'd want to be

shining in the sunlight. They'd want to be steppin up and walking the walk, too.

Oh, yeah. I bet I'd be more like the guy I was meant to be and do all the things I was destined to do.

Then when the final big inspection came, the One Who out ranks me would stop and take notice.

"Spit shine, God. My life needed a little "spit shine."

I encourage you to share my stories but I do ask that you keep my name and

contact information with my work.

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Have a comment about today's story?

please write to "2 believe @ comcast .net"

(spaces were placed between words in email address for security)

Bob,
After a few successful years, I find myself in a continuous struggle in many aspects of life.

Your story "Struggle" seemed somehow directed to me alone when I read it yesterday. God

taught me to find my knees by bringing me struggle...now you've helped me remind myself that

it's just another way of growing. Thanks, Bob. You've lifted me out of a dark place.

My dear friend, Bob~

It has been so long since I read your treasured words. My youngest daughter, Breanne, sent

My little writing porch is a bit chilled this morning as the temperature sits at 47 degrees. Brrrrrr for

west central Florida. Fingers are wrapped around a steaming cuppa coffee~and I glance out the

window that faces Lake Pierce as the morning mist slowly and steadily rises to meet the morning

sun's awesome pink glow.

Slowly and steadily...like the butterfly...like God's plan for us~Great inspirational words, my friend~AGAIN!

Love, light, and blessings~Mama T

Dear Bob, right now I, unfortunately, can't help you financially, but I just couldn't go on without, at the

very least, sending my mental and emotional support! I KNOW that prayers do miracles too- couple

months ago my father was diagnosed with cancer, as always, it came out of the blue. When he was

undergoing his surgery, the odds were tiny, but a miracle happened. Since then, I know that you can't

stop trying, you can't stop hoping, you can't stop praying. There's Someone above listening. All the time...

I wish Keith and all your family all the very best! When there are people wishing you best, the best SHOULD

happen! I know these are "clumsy" words, but they come from the heart

Blessings,

Rina

Bob,

Indeed. Every step we take through a stressful or hurtful situation makes us stronger and better as human

beings if we stop to learn as we walk through the pain. I have stories that I could tell about pain, but I just

tell people that troubles can either be a hole you climb into or a step stool to better things.

Great story - I know I am behind in reading - life you know!

Fran

Dear Bob,

A butterfly 'poem' of my own came to mind when I read your butterfly story within your story, "Struggle."

It is possible that I have shared it with you in the past. If I am repeating myself, my apologies. It's a

wonder I remember my butterfly poem when I can't remember what I had for supper last night! Ha! I

guess it goes to show how much it meant to me in college days when I had it hanging on my dorm

wall! It goes like this:

Happiness is like a butterfly.

The more you chase it,

The more it will elude you.

But if you turn your attention to other things,

It comes and softly sits on you shoulder.

I share that every chance I get. I love it because it is so true!

I continue to enjoy your stories!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Kathy Million

Hi My Friend,

so good to have you back in my life. The story was great as always. God has a great plan for each of us,

but some of us just can't wait for the outcome and really screw our lives up. I know I did, but He has

forgiven me and set things right now. I listen!

How is Keith's fund going? I sure hope he gets enough to do what needs to be done. God Bless you all.

Love ya much, Betty

"I Wish You enough!"
� 2001 Bob Perks

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."