{Straight From the Heart} *Shed Some Light On It* 2/24/00
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Welcome to "Straight From the Heart!"
If you enjoy this free daily email service, I encourage you to
forward it on to family and friends. If this has been passed along
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I appreciate any feedback or constructive criticism, so feel free
to write me (Michael T. Powers) and let me know what you think!
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It is always a pleasure to introduce a writer to our list for
the first time. I met Bob online a few weeks ago, and I am
thrilled to share his incredible talent with all of you.
Welcome aboard Bob!
Michael
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"Shed some light on it"
by Bob Perks
I had just returned from a visit to Seven Springs in western Pennsylvania.
It's a wonderful ski resort and convention complex. I spoke once again to
the Pa. Credit Union League. Unfortunately my wife could not be with me.
I spent the evening before my session taking in the silence. Quiet is
such a precious thing.
While standing on a deck over looking the chair lifts and beautiful
country side, I spotted one lone bird gliding in and our of the trees.
It was an incredible sight to see. I have this longing to fly like a
bird, but the gutless fear of leaving the ground. I have chosen to
reach new heights but with both feet planted.
We were experiencing a cold front coming through so the change in
temperature provided some powerful uplifts for this lone bird on a
beautiful summer day.
I was reminded that the best time for hot air balloon rides is early
morning or late afternoon precisely for the same reason that bird was
soaring. My wife gave me a ride on a hot air balloon for my 40th
birthday.
As the bird took one last swoop past the tall trees near the top of the
mountain, it lead my eye to a few approaching clouds that had taken
their places near the setting sun just on the other side of the slopes.
I love sunsets and have been known to pull off the road just to view
one. Once at a local mall I ran down the hallway and out the door and
stood in awe of one of the greatest works of God's art. I looked to my
left and a young woman was standing next to me. Her face was kissed by
the glow of the sun as peachy tones of sun light danced across her eyes.
We were perfect strangers connected for a few minutes as shoppers rushed by
wondering what we were looking at.
But at Seven Springs I discovered something I had not known before. The
approaching clouds on this day were dark like the ones that bring
thunder and lightning. I thought this event would amount to nothing.
I was wrong. As the sun set, the darkened clouds illuminated and took on
the image of puffy pinks and purple plums. For a few minutes the image that
seemed to be predicting danger ahead offered a glorious show of beauty and
hope.
Here is what I discovered from the bird and the clouds:
1. When the heat is on ride the currents to higher places. Don't remain on
the ground waiting to be consumed by the fire, while complaining about the
heat. Spread your wings fly.
2. The approaching clouds of doom in your life may not be as bad as you
think. See them in a new "light" and discover the true value of the
message they bring. Dark clouds have a "silver lining" because the
other side of the cloud is bright and beautiful. Shed some light on it.
Turn it over. See the other side.
There is so much more to the world if you would stop and look closer. Some
of the richest treasures are not buried beneath the ground. They are there
right in front of you awaiting discovery.
"I believe in YOU!"
Bob Perks
Bob@bobperks.com
Send Bob an email and let him know what you thought of his writing!
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A little bit about Bob:
Bob Perks is a professional speaker and Author of "The Flight of a Lifetime"
A journey of discovery for a person of importance...YOU!"
Visit BobPerks.com and signup for his weekly message "I Believe in YOU!"
Member National Speakers Association, National Writers Association
Visit http://www.BobPerks.com
570-696-2581 or Fax 570-696-1310
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The Funy Things Kids Say!
For the next couple of days I will be sharing some funny quotes
from kids that are compiled by friend Grace Housholder. If you
would like to receive her weekly emails with the best funny quotes
from kids, make sure you sign up!
Here is one about our very own Caleb that is going in her next book!
Michael
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Caleb, 3, was overheard by his mother Kristi singing this song: "I
love my daddy, I love my daddy, I love my daddy..."
When Kristi told her husband about it, he started getting warm
fuzzies in his tummy thinking how sweet it was.
But then Kristi said Caleb's next verse was, "BUT I DON"T KNOW WHY!
NO, I DON'T KNOW WHY!"
Then back to: "I love my daddy, I love my daddy..."
That story is from Michael Powers of Janesville, Wis.
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Grace Witwer Housholder, Kendallville, IN USA
Be sure to look for her books: The Funny Things Kids Say!
TO RECEIVE the delightful weekly "Funny Kids" e-mail column send a blank
message to: funnykids-subscribe@onelist.com
TO READ past columns go to: http://www.onelist.com/archive/funnykids
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Thought For The Day:
"Our talks are often in first drafts - lots of corrections necessary!"
Verse for the Day:
"For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word,
the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body."
James 3:2
Kid's Thought For The day:
"Remember you're never too old to hold your father's hand."
Parent's Thought For The Day
"I didn't make the same mistakes my parents made when they raised
me. I was too busy making new ones.
-Bruce Lansky
Coach's Thought For The Day
"I don't believe for a second weightlifting is a sport. They
pick up a heavy thing and put it down again. To me, that's
indecision."
--Paula Poundstone
Deep Thought For The Day:
"Laziness: Resting before you get tired."
_
/_/\/\ MICHAEL T. POWERS
\_\ / THUNDER27@aol.com http://members.aol.com/Thunder27/index.html
/_/ \ "For I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but
\_\/\ \ Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body I live for the Son
\_\/ of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20
Video Imagery (Michael's Video Production Business)
"I thought of you first after my family sat down to watch the video
we gave them. They loved it, to say the least! Within thirty
seconds my mom was crying and my dad did too. They said it was
the best Christmas gift we could have given them!! You did such
a beautiful job! They were so suprised and so touched---they
really, really, really loved it. Thanks for helping to make it so
special to us all. My mom mentioned how the songs were perfect for
the video too! Thanks again!"
Kelli (RKaGe@aol.com) College Station, TX
Let me make you a video from your pictures or home movies!
Check out the web page for Michael's video production business!
Video Imagery
http://members.aol.com/Videoimg/index.html