September 27, 2023

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BG’s Positively Speaking

A Different Point Of View

In the introduction to my book Positively Speaking, I write that much of my inspiration comes from others. And that we can learn from the unique and personal insights of everyone who crosses our path. The proof of that statement is in this email I received in 2016 from Doug McColl of Baysville.

We Are All Wrestlers

I watched Canada’s gold medal-winning athlete, Wrestler Erica Wiebe, speak after her match tonight. She spoke about how, instead of focusing on winning, she immersed herself in the joy she had for wrestling. She wanted to wrestle because she enjoys it! How abstract! I thought about that and suddenly realized that is the key to much happiness because, like it or not, we are all wrestlers.

I often find that my opponent in wrestling is myself as I face a problem and begin weighing my options and deciding what I should do next. Sometimes, I am merely wrestling for the word that will carry the meaning I intend to convey. That may sound trivial, but bear in mind that it has been written that the pen is mightier than the sword. At other times, my wrestle is with a life-encompassing dilemma, like what I truly want in life or finding the best plan to help a struggling friend. In any case, the important thing is that we wrestle. It is this wrestling that makes us reach deeper into our souls, honing our thoughtfulness and taking us closer to the truth. Wrestling with problems takes a lot of our time and energy. If we fail to enjoy the process of this, we are missing out on a large part of our human experience. Whether we get the gold or fail, make a good decision or a bad one, by wrestling with our choices, we have at least done better than if we hadn’t. And if we can find joy in our struggles, then I say… that’s better than gold!

Thank You, Doug, For Your Insight.

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The Other Woman

Not too long ago, a large seminar was held for ministers in training. Among the speakers were many well-known motivational speakers. One such boldly approached the pulpit and,  gathering the crowd’s attention, said, “The best years of my life were spent in the arms of a woman that wasn’t my wife!”The group was shocked! He followed up by saying, “And that woman was my mother!”. The crowd laughed, and he gave his speech, which went well.

About a week later, one of the ministers who had attended the seminar decided to use that joke in his sermon. As he shyly approached the pulpit one sunny Sunday, he tried to rehearse the joke in his head. It seemed a bit foggy to him this morning. Getting to the microphone, he said loudly, “The greatest years of my life were spent in the arms of another woman who was not my wife!” His congregation sat shocked. After standing there for almost 10 seconds trying to recall the second half of the joke, the pastor finally blurted out, “…and I can’t remember who she was!”

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Editors Quote Book

“Ulcers are what you get from mountain climbing over molehills.”

— Anonymous

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Where In The World

Do you know the name of this building and where it is located?

(Click or Hover For Answer)

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Trivia Quiz

(Click Question For Answer)

 

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Your Horoscope

For Amusement Only

ARIES Mar. 21-Apr. 19: Don’t be boastful about your accomplishments. People will be aware of them and admire you for your restraint.

TAURUS Apr. 20-May 20: Take your problems to a higher source. Spiritual counselling can soothe the soul and heal the heart.

GEMINI May 21-June 20: Your confidence has been eroded through the gossip of others. Steer clear of those who wish you harm.

CANCER June 21-July 22: You are approaching a junction that could make a significant difference in your life. Proceed with caution.

LEO July 23-Aug 22: Show your appreciation to one who has given you wise counsel. Give them the credit they deserve.

VIRGO Aug. 23-Sept. 22: Pay attention to things at home. Note repairs that need taking care of. Set aside the funds and do them.

LIBRA Sept. 23-Oct. 22: Any project you undertake during this period will be successful. Move ahead with enthusiasm.

SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov. 21: Don’t fret if things don’t go exactly as planned. Things rarely do. If everything was perfect, life would be boring.

SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec. 21: Romantic intentions are being sabotaged by idle gossipers. Don’t let them steal your joy, trust your own judgement.

CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19: A serious conversation will produce long-term benefits. Listen carefully to what you are being told for the best results.

AQUARIUS Jan. 20-Feb. 18: Small pleasures can often be the best. Happiness is not dependent on the number of dollars you spend.

PISCES Feb. 19-Mar. 20: Give yourself a break, leave your worries behind. A short getaway can work wonders for the mind and body.

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Bought A Porsche

An eighteen-year-old boy came home with a Porsche, and his parents began to scream, “Where did you get that car???!!!” He calmly told them, “I bought it today.”  “With what money?” demanded his parents. “We know what a Porsche costs.”  “Well,” said the boy, “this one cost me fifteen dollars.” So, the parents began to yell even louder. “Who would sell a car like that for fifteen dollars?” they said.

“It was the lady up the street,” said the boy.” I don’t know her name, they just moved in. She saw me ride past on my bike and asked me if I wanted to buy a Porsche for fifteen dollars.”

“Oh No,” moaned the mother, ” Who knows what she will do next? John, you go right up there and see what’s happening.”  So the boy’s father walked up the street to the lady’s house and found her in the yard, calmly planting petunias! He introduced himself as the boy’s father to whom she had sold a Porsche for fifteen dollars and demanded to know why she did it. “Well,” she said, “I got a phone call from my husband this morning. I thought he was on a business trip, but he has run off to Hawaii with his secretary and doesn’t intend to return. He asked me to sell his new Porsche and send him the money. So I did.”

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Geraniums….

“I’m sorry,” said the clerk in the flower shop, “we don’t have potted geraniums. Could you use African violets instead?” “No,” replied the customer sadly,  “it was geraniums my wife told me to water while she was gone.”

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The Last Word

Looking ahead is the best way
to avoid falling behind

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