Archives at Zinester: "I found a new Christmas.... "I Believe in You!".

Subject: "I found a new Christmas... - December16, 2005

"I Believe in You!"

A message of Hope, stories from the road.

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Hello, my friend!

I pray that you are well!

Many thanks from deep within my soul to all who purchased items from our store, made donations or

prayed for our continued mission to touch the world.

When I wrote the story, "It isn't gone" I sent a copy to the family who owns the

Shore Plaza. I received this message yesterday.

Dear Bob and Family,

Thank you for your wonderful letter, my husband and I both cried when we read it.

My husband Anthony and my brother Tony ran the pizza place. We are broken hearted our

whole life revolved around our business. It was not a job to me I always enjoyed going to the

motel each day.It was meeting with friends each day. My Dad is doing fine, he's already

planning on what's next.We wish you and your family a happy and healthy holiday. Please

know that your letter meant the world to us.

Fondly,

Rosemary

After receiving that message, I sent them two "I Wish You Enough!" mugs as a Christmas Gift.

As Christmas Day gets closer, I am beginning to hear the tone of frustration in

the voices of so many rushing to find the perfect gift.

I have discovered a new Christmas in an old song this year for us.

May today's story help you to find it, too.

Love always and all ways,

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Perks Pearl of Wisdom

"If you believe, you must believe always, not just when things go the way

you want them to. That's why it's called "faith." Bob Perks

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"Wishes" Gift Store

I can no longer promise delivery in time for Christmas Day,

but...a gift is still a gift when it comes from your heart...any time.

Tapes, Books, Greeting Cards, Wall prints, Mugs, T-shirts

http://wishes.easystorecreator.net/

Buying products helps keep these messages

F R E E

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"My Ministry of the Heart" to touch the world with hope

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http://www.bobperks.com/donations.htm

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Today's Message:

"I found a "new" Christmas in an old song"

I couldn't quite put my finger on it. I just couldn't understand what was happening.
That is until I heard that song.

My everyday pattern of living has been changed. My reaction to change like that
has been to over react. I find myself in a spin and frustrated by simple things.

The great part about all of this is the fact that I finally realized what was wrong.

The construction on our home for "Marianne's room" is moving along fine but
it has caused us to change our lives in little ways.

We can't use the back door and we can't park in our driveway. That forces us to
use the front door. Change is a silly little thing that casts big shadows on life sometimes.
I had just fenced in the back yard so that our dogs could run freely, now I need to walk
them using a leash.

They don't like it and neither do I.

Every morning I need to plug in extension cords for the workers, unplug lights and unlock the back door
for perfect strangers to enter my home, often times before I'm even ready for my day.

A few days before Christmas we need to jam everything from the first floor into our living room.
Our kitchen will be off limits and eventually our front room, too.

I have shopping to do, but I need to be home in case the workers need something.

Because our home will be under construction the week between Christmas and New Year,
we have been invited to my brother's for Christmas dinner. Normally our children would come to
our home around noon to exchange gifts.

Can't do it. There's no room.

So we need to go to my son Keith's.

They have a regular holiday schedule with his Mom and his in-laws on that day, so we need to fit in.
If it sounds like I'm whining...I AM!

Well, I was. Until I heard that song.

It really has become my favorite old classic over the last few years. When I hear it a wonderful calm
comes over me. I am at peace, at least for the few minutes it plays.

After hearing it this time, I called my son and said, "Let everyone keep whatever plans
they have for Christmas Day. We are the ones who need to fit into Christmas
so I don't want anyone to make changes. I am perfectly comfortable with doing whatever needs to be done."

"Wow!" Keith said. "Okay. I am sure it will all work out."

I was at peace.

The world was buzzing around me. I was making it more complicated than it should be. I now see
Christmas day in all of its perfection. I now realize that most of the other 55 Christmases
I've seen in my life were too busy, too stressful, too loud.

In order to experience the message of Christmas, in order for us to know the blessings of that
day, we need to let go. We need to step back and let the day just be.

Take a look at your life right now. Picture yourself stepping out of the picture and become an observer.
What do you see? If you are all too stressed out, hurried, angry and upset, stop right where you are
and listen. Listen to the song of Christmas.

Yes, we can all remember the sounds of Christmas, but the beauty of it is in the silence...

If you know the song sing it...

Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Savior is born
Christ, the Savior is born

Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth "

I found a new Christmas in an old song or perhaps Christmas the way it was meant to be.

I pray you will, too.

"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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May I Suggest...

Visit my photo album:

Read recent messages:

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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

RE: "The Old Lamplighter"

Bob
Please be assured your light has brightened my path today and many days! On many dark days,

one just has to reach into the memory bank and recall one of your enlightening stories.

MERRY CHRISTMAS to you and Marianne. May the light of The Christ Child grow i your life as He grew to be THE LIGHT!

Love and prayers--Linda

Bob,

I found the words for you. May your Christmas be as bright as the light you share with all the rest of us.

Many of us just need your verbal hug to keep us going one more day. Some of us just need your tender

prodding to share our light with the rest of the world. Merry Christmas to you and your lovely bride.

Toby Jo

Dearest Bob and Marianne~

Today will probably be the last day that I write my little notes from this space~however, by the light of

your spirit, I will be able to see them in another space. A new home.

Somewhere where I am allowed to take my heart and remember the memories. Somewhere where

I am able to make new memories. For each day, we are given the opportunity to touch a life.

How many of us are blessed by your writings to help guide us on our path as we search for the

mission our creator intended for us to find and keep.

Thank you...LOTZ!!

Love, light, and blessings~Mama T

Dear Bob-
Thanks for the memories--I did look back at my day--and thankfully
was a Lamp Lighter today and will do my best to see that I am on a
daily basis--
Hugs, Anne

I wanted to do something special for you today,because threw your messages you have

blessed my life in so many ways.

My God Bless you and your family always

Becky

P.S.Im not to good at this so I hope it works.I found the words and music to "The Old Lamplighter"

Type this into your search bar and it should take you there.

http://my.homewithgod.com/redbirdjan/lamp.html

Dear Bob,

Often I have wanted to write to you to thank you for the many times you
have uplifted and encouraged me and also given me many moments of joy
when I read your stories. This morning the melody of The Old
Lamplighter came to mind and I, too, wanted to remember the words. I
went into search and now we can share them with each other:

"The Old Lamplighter"

He made the night a little brighter
Wherever he would go
The old lamplighter
Of long, long ago

His snowy hair was so much whiter
Beneath the candle glow
The old lamplighter
Of long, long ago
You'd hear the patter of his feet
As he came toddling down the street
His smile would cheer a lonely heart you see

If there were sweethearts in the park
He'd pass a lamp and leave it dark
Remembering the days that used to be
For he recalled when things were new
He loved someone who loved him too
Who walks with him alone in memories

He made the night a little brighter
Wherever he would go
The old lamplighter
Of long, long ago

His snowy hair was so much whiter
Beneath the candle glow
The old lamplighter
Of long, long ago

Now if you look up in the sky
You'll understand the reason why
The little stars at night are all aglow
He turns them on when night is near
He turns them off when dawn is here
The little man we left so long ago

He made the night a little brighter
Wherever he would go
The old lamplighter of long, long ago

Wishing you and Marianne a blessed and joyful Christmas.

Nita

You have lite many a persons spirit, so you have been like the lamp lighter.

God has blessed you with the gift of compassion and you use it everyday.

I have a friend who beat the cancer but the chemo has damaged her heart and it

is only operating at 29%. She is getting a pace maker tomorrow morning and I

would be honored if you included her in your prayers. Her name is Charlotte Doyle

and I love her very much.

God bless you and yours

Love

Sue

(Just a note...latest word is she's doing fine! Bob)

I share this note from a friend and fellow writer:

Bob

I have had a favorite Hymn, since I was a kid.

There was a traveling Gospel group that came to our little village in Nova Scotia every year.

They never asked for donations. They came to my little hometown of Sambro,

Nova Scotia, put up their tent,and taught us all the word of God.

This song sticks in my head. I remember, as a little boy, swinging on a neighbors

swing set and singing this song.

Will your anchor hold in the storms of life,
When the clouds unfold their wings of strife?
When the strong tides lift and the cables strain,
Will your anchor drift, or firm remain?

Refrain

We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll,
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep in the Savior??�s love.

It is safely moored, ??�twill the storm withstand,
For ??�tis well secured by the Savior??�s hand;
And the cables, passed from His heart to mine,
Can defy that blast, thro??� strength divine.

Refrain

It will surely hold in the Straits of Fear??�
When the breakers have told that the reef is near;
Though the tempest rave and the wild winds blow,
Not an angry wave shall our bark o??�erflow.

Refrain

It will firmly hold in the Floods of Death??�-
When the waters cold chill our latest breath,
On the rising tide it can never fail,
While our hopes abide within the Veil.

Refrain

When our eyes behold through the gath??�ring night
The city of gold, our harbor bright,
We shall anchor fast by the heav??�nly shore,
With the storms all past forevermore.

Refrain

You can hear and read the words at

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/w/e/h/wehavean.htm

Your story reminds me of a story I wrote a while back.

It can be found at

http://heartsandhumor.com/blog/?postid=46

Michael Smith
Read my stories at http://heartsandhumor.com/blog/

Under "Links" clink on "archives" to see the latest stories.

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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

Visit Bob's story site: http://www.IWishYouEnough.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."