Archives at Zinester: "Our time in the Sun". "I Believe in You!".

Subject: "Our time in the Sun" - November18, 2005

"I Believe in You!"

A message of Hope, stories from the road.

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Hello, my friend!

A late Thursday message for you!

I look forward to Friday. It's Friday somewhere right now!

Oh, look here it comes! I'm ready. See you again tomorrow, my friend.

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Perks Pearl of Wisdom

"Light the way for those who cannot see in the darkest hours of their lives. Be a guide for the lost. Walk slow for the elders. Bend for those who cannot stand on their own. Do all this because God has done the same for you." Bob Perks

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Today's Message:

"Our time in the sun"

'Why is God so good to me?" the young tree asked.

"Each of us has our time in the sun," said the elder tree.

It was another attempt on my part, I believe, to find the answers

that I so often pursue. I had wandered in search of reason, peace and

tranquility. It had taken me once again into the woods. It is there that I

re-discover my past. You see I believe that the trees hold a bit of history.

Perhaps even a piece of my life that I want to re-visit.

I had come upon a clearing in the midst of the forest. I found this spot in

the glen just at the base of the hills I once passed through in my younger,

more adventurous days. I don't quite remember this spot. But for me this

place now was a haven of sorts and quite unusual at that.

As thick as the forest was throughout my walk, this barren, empty spot

held but one small tree. As if set on an arena stage, this tree no bigger

than two feet in height, seemed scrawny and unlikely to weather another winter.

I sat upon a fallen limb just on the edge of the circle. I reached next to me

and touched the bark of one of the tallest trees there.

"What life of mine do you hold inside? What part of you was here when my

ancestors lived, walked and loved this world? Could their energy be a part of

who you are right now?" I asked out loud.

Then standing and walking next to the tiny tree I leaned over and held a branch

feeling the life inside it.

"You, little one. What makes you think you can ever be as tall as all the others?"

I then laid down on the ground next to the little tree and looking up discovered

what it was living for. There above us was a small opening in the natural canopy.

Today's dark clouds rushed by.

"So that is what you strive for." From this point of view I could understand why

it would want to reach that far.

Then standing I turned to the elders of this group and asked, "Tell me why is

it that God made trees to last for centuries, while only permitting man to live

so briefly?" I was yearning to see my family. Maybe it was the approach of the

holidays that sparked it all.

I returned to my spot on the edge and wondered how this little one could

possibly grow. The big ones block out the sun.

I stared at it from a distance and connected with the idea of being so small

in such a big world. I understood, for I struggle to find my spot in the world as

a writer and speaker. I too, am surrounded by giants.

Then suddenly the clouds that created this dreary day opened slightly and a

beam directed itself like a flood light pouring over the small tree. It was

wondrous and beautiful, a spectacle that left me in awe. I rushed to the center

and bathed in the spot light and in unison the tree and I responded. I raised

my hands skyward and it basked in the warmth of the sun. We questioned,

"God, why are you so good to me?"

"Each of us has our time in the sun," I felt the elder trees respond.

"Man was created in the Light from his birth until his passing. Your life is

your time in the sun," said God in my heart.

As the light faded I walked off to the side and thinking about it all, I

remembered the story about a child asking his father, "How tall does a tree grow?"

The Father recognizing this as an extraordinary chance to teach a young child

about life's possibilities said, "As tall as it can!"

The difference is a tree, with it's predetermined blueprint for growth, can only

grow to be one thing. But God in His Wisdom created each human to be unique

and one of a kind. Our possibilities are endless.

I also discovered that the energy and spirit of my loved ones are not to be found

in the things around me. They all dwell inside me wherever I go. I am the best of

each of them combined in such a way that I can only fail if I fail to try.

So my friend, how far can you go in your time in the sun?

"As far as you can!"

"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 from the author.

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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.

what a joy to read!!...i love animals and the Lord uses them EVERYDAY to inspire us...yesterday even tho it was cold..there was a flock of geese here...i went out and fed them bread..an hour and a half later they were outside my door making all kinds of racket..i fed them again..all the while watching this lone squirrel pick up crumbs for himself too..it was an awesome sight..to see the geese and the squirrel so close together..not minding each other's presense..just determined to get something to eat..pure determination..their eyes were on the ball too!..thanks for sharing Bob!

GOD BLESS & I WISH YOU ENOUGH!

gangel

Dear Bob, Marianne, (and for today) Ricky,

Well written! Time for me to get off the computer and go play. You don't mind if I celebrate 11/20 a few days early this year, do you? I thought not!

Blessings on you,

Robin

Hi Bob,

BOY, you could be talking about our Muffin. She, too, does the same thing with the ball, but I never quite thought of it that way. YES, she is focused and "on the ball". I sit on the floor, resting my back against the couch and we have our play time every night after dinner. Some nights I find the floor getting awfully hard after awhile and I look over and there she is, sleeping in her bed while I am still sitting on that hard floor waiting to play more. They are such good company.

Love and prayers to you and Marianne

BEV

Bob,

I see Ricky has you trained well! Isn't it funny that even after a day that is the worst day we can imagine, our pets can pick up our spirits with their unconditional devotion. If we would only remember to put the trust in Christ that our animals do in us.

Debbie

Twin Falls, Id

Hi Bob! Loved your story! The last paragraph says it all. No stretching, moaning, finding shoes or glasses, being tired, or looking for pain relievers. It truly would be an inspiration to me! We all need to find more of those inspirations in our lives. Something that says "Hey-you're up and running and doing great-keep it up!" Thanks for your emails that are in itself, an inspiration to me! As always, you and Marianne are in my prayers. Nancy, Paris, Texas

Thanks for your "kind words" Bob. I have been quite depressed lately and also trying to quit smoking!! I'm praying day by day to get better and I hope the Good Lord will help me through it all.

Have a good day Bob. Nancy

Bob,

Maybe that's where the phrase"It's a dog's life" comes from....Roman

Bob:

Thank you. My day has just gotten brighter.

His Love and mine

Regards Kenisha Baker

Bob,

Oh my gosh,I thought my 12 year old dog Sassi was the only dog that did this.We have to do this outside on my deck stairs every morning before I go to work(rain,snow,sleet,heat) doesn't matter have to play catch on the stairs,it's funny she is getting older now and can't see as well but she still catches the ball and looks forward to playing every day.She waits while I throw the other ball down the driveway for our other girl Rozzi(Jack Russell) oh so full of energy that one is,we call her our lil piece of work,tee,hee.How wonderful they both are and how much joy the bring.I love my babies more than words can say,bring smiles to my face daily.Oh and when Sassi catches the ball,I tell her she is my Johnny Damon outfield catcher,and she smiles back at me:o) Thanx for your stories,you make my day. Take Care Dawn

Dear Bob,

I really enjoy your stories..........all of them.........but especially the dog ones. On Nov. 4 th, I had my beloved dog of 13 years put to sleep. It haunts me so much. He had throat cancer and starting to go down fast. The emotions are horrible. i know he trusted me to do the right thing for him but I just can't get it out of my mind. He was my 3rd child..........I have 2 human kids and then him. I took care of him like a baby for the 10 months he was sick. i look for him everywhere in the house. The kids miss him terribly. I even took them out of school early that day so they could help me with the funeral. I needed them and they needed to say their goodbyes. You don't need to post this letter. i just wanted to tell you how much i enjoy your emails. Thank you so much............Linda

Thanks Bob! Some of my family members have recently compared themselves to
"the old dog that sits on the porch and barks." I loved this story. . .it
spoke volumes to me. It made me realize that I need to start each day with
a lighter and brighter step. Although that will take some reconditioning,
I'm looking forward to springing out of bed tomorrow. :)

Peace,
Breanne

Dear Bob~

Most pets, I have observed, are in LOVE with their masters. It is a focus; like being on the ball. However, their motivation comes from their little hearts.

Again, you shower us with your words of the divine. Thanks, my dear friend.

Love, light, and blessings~

Mama T

Bob

I gotcha!

About three months ago I made up my mind that I was no longer going to complain about it being a bad day. I was going to have a "good" day whether I really felt like it or not. I started out smiling and giving a cheery greeting to everyone I met. Some didn't appreciate it but I kept on and even began telling people about my resolve to have good days. I think a few people really listened and "got me". Have a great day tomorrow and every tomorrow from now on.

Bill

Bob I am glad my dog is not that way, just today I went into the front yard to check his water and she grabbed the ball. I was able to throw it two or three times before she stopped bringing it back. I am 73 and don't have the energy I used to have. Your dog would wear me out. Enjoyed the story and will send it on to my folks. Stormy here tonight but hope it is better there in Penn.

Roy from down south

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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."