Category: Thankfulness

The Four Wives We All Have

by Coach Muller, posted in Compassion, Courage, Decisions in Life, Depression, Encouragement, Encouraging, Family, Happiness, Health, Heartwarming, Inspirational, Inspirational Story, Inspiring, Interesting, Life, Life and Death, Life Decisions, Life's Lessons, Love, Marriage, Positive Thinking, Relationships, Story About Life, Thankfulness, Thanksgiving, Thought Provoking, Wisdom
Eksley
Photo Credit: Eksley via CC Flickr

Once upon a time there was a rich King who had four wives. He loved the 4th wife the most and adorned her with rich robes and treated her to the finest of delicacies. He gave her nothing but the best.

He also loved the 3rd wife very much and was always showing her off to neighboring kingdoms. However, he feared that one day she would leave him for another.

He also loved his 2nd wife. She was his confidant and was always kind, considerate and patient with him. Whenever the King faced a problem, he could confide in her, and she would help him get through the difficult times.

The King’s 1st wife was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining his wealth and kingdom. However, he did not love the first wife. Although she loved him deeply, he hardly took notice of her!

One day, the King fell ill and he knew his time was short. He thought of his luxurious life and wondered, “I now have four wives with me, but when I die, I’ll be all alone.” Thus, he asked the 4th wife, “I have loved you the most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now that I’m dying, will you follow me and keep me company?” “No way!”, replied the 4th wife, and she walked away without another word. Her answer cut like a sharp knife right into his heart.

The sad King then asked the 3rd wife, “I have loved you all my life. Now that I’m dying, will you follow me and keep me company?” “No!”, replied the 3rd wife. “Life is too good! When you die, I’m going to remarry!” His heart sank and turned cold.

He then asked the 2nd wife, “I have always turned to you for help and you’ve always been there for me. When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?” “I’m sorry, I can’t help you out this time!”, replied the 2nd wife. “At the very most, I can only send you to your grave.” Her answer came like a bolt of lightning, and the King was devastated.

Then a voice called out: “I’ll leave with you and follow you no matter where you go.” The King looked up, and there was his first wife. She was so skinny as she suffered from malnutrition and neglect. Greatly grieved, the King said, “I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance!”

In truth, we all have 4 wives in our lives: Our 4th wife is our body. No matter how much time and effort we lavish in making it look good, it will leave us when we die.

Our 3rd wife is our possessions, status and wealth. When we die, it will all go to others.

Our 2nd wife is our family and friends. No matter how much they have been there for us, the furthest they can stay by us is up to the grave.

And our 1st wife is our Soul, which is often neglected in pursuit of wealth, power and pleasures of the world. However, our Soul is the only thing that will follow us wherever we go. So cultivate, strengthen and cherish it now, for it is the only part of us who will follow us to the throne of God and continue with us throughout Eternity. When the world pushes you to your knees…..You’re in the perfect position to pray. Think about this… Are you aware that if we died tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of days? But the family we left behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives. And come to think of it, we pour ourselves more into work than to our own family, an unwise investment indeed, don’t you think? And we often treat strangers and co-workers better than members of our family.
Have you hugged and loved your family today and told them that you love them? If not, what are you waiting for?

The love of a family is life’s greatest blessings!

 

 

 

One of Life’s Highest Honors

by Coach Muller, posted in Compassion, Courage, Empathy, Encouragement, Encouraging, Father and Daughter Relationship, Father and Son Relationship, Happiness, Heartwarming, Heartwarming Story, Inspirational, Inspiring, Life, Life Compassion, Motivational, Parent and child relationship, Parent-Child Relationship, Relationships, Thankfulness
Thomas Leuthard
Photo Credit: Thomas Leuthard via CC Flickr

It was once said that the reason that humans are put into this world is to help and encourage others. Think about it. What makes you the happiest? When you are receiving something or getting something?

 The most important things in life aren’t the things that you can see…like money, houses, boats, clothes, etc. The things in life that REALLY matter and have infinite meaning to people, are the things that are priceless and unseen such as kindness, love, thoughtfulness, etc….ways that you TREAT others.

 Today’s short story is a great example of the ULTIMATE way that a person can repay someone with kindness and goodness.

A son took his father to a restaurant for an evening dinner.

The father, being very old and weak, while he was eating, dropped food and his shirt and pants. Other diners watched him in disgust and revulsion while his son was calm and enjoyed hit time with his dad.

After they were finished eating, the son, who wasn’t embarrassed at all, quietly took his father to the washroom, wiped off the food particles, removed the stains, combed his hair and fitted his glasses firmly. When they came back out, the entire restaurant was watching them in dead silence, not able to grasp how someone could embarrass themselves publicly like that.

The son settled the bill and started leaving with his father.

At that time, an old man sitting among the diners called out to the son and asked him, “Don’t you think that you have left something behind?”

The son replied, “No sir, I haven’t.”

The old man retorted, “Yes, you have! You have left a lesson for every son…and hope for every father.”

The restaurant was silent.

To care for those who once cared for us, is one of life’s highest honors!

Pictures That Speak Volumes #75

by Coach Muller, posted in Adorable, Children Photography, Compassion, Encouragement, Encouraging, Happiness, Heartwarming, Heartwarming Picture, Inspiration, Inspirational, Inspiring, Life, Life's Lessons, Mindfulness, Photography, Positive Thinking, Smile, Thankfulness, Thanksgiving, Thought Provoking, Thoughtfulness

Emil Leonardi Sirra Leone 2010

What Makes YOU Happy?

by Coach Muller, posted in Animals, Decisions in Life, Encouragement, Encouraging, God, Happiness, Inspiration, Inspirational, Inspirational Story, Inspiring, Interesting, Life, Life Decisions, Motivating, Motivational, Perseverance, Positive Thinking, Story About Life, Thankfulness, Thought Provoking, Thoughtfulness, truths, Wisdom
Mike Boswell
Photo Credit: Mike Boswell via CC Flickr

A crow lived in the forest and was absolutely satisfied in life. But one day he saw a swan. “This swan is so white,” he thought, “and I am so black. This swan must be the happiest bird in the world.”

He expressed his thoughts to the swan. “Actually,” the swan replied, “I was feeling that I was the happiest bird around until I saw a parrot, which has two colors. I now think the parrot is the happiest bird in creation.” The crow then approached the parrot. The parrot explained, “I lived a very happy life until I saw a peacock. I have only two colors, but the peacock has multiple colors.”

The crow then visited a peacock in the zoo and saw that hundreds of people had gathered to see him. After the people had left, the crow approached the peacock. “Dear peacock,” the crow said, “you are so beautiful. Every day thousands of people come to see you. When people see me, they immediately shoo me away. I think you are the happiest bird on the planet.”

The peacock replied, “I always thought that I was the most beautiful and happy bird on the planet. But because of my beauty, I am entrapped in this zoo. I have examined the zoo very carefully, and I have realized that the crow is the only bird not kept in a cage. So for past few days I have been thinking that if I were a crow, I could happily roam everywhere.”

That’s our problem too. We make unnecessary comparison with others and become sad. We don’t value what God has given us.  This all leads to the vicious cycle of unhappiness.  Learn to be happy in what you have instead of looking at what you don’t have.   There will always be someone who will have more or less than you have.  The person who is satisfied with what they have, are the happiest people in the world!

The Lesson of the Black Spot

by Coach Muller, posted in Blessings, Classroom, Decisions in Life, Education, Educational, Encouragement, Encouraging, Inspirational, Inspirational Story, Inspiring, Interesting, Life, Life's Lessons, Motivating, Motivational, Positive Thinking, Relationships, Stories, Story About Life, Thankfulness, Thought Provoking, Thoughtfulness, truths, Wisdom

black_spot_on_white_background_by_sukiroseessence-d321hr6

Sometimes, simple illustrations teach us simple but important life lessons…..

One day a professor entered the classroom and asked his students to prepare for a surprise test. They waited anxiously at their desks for the test to begin. The professor handed out the question paper, with the text facing down as usual. Once he handed them all out, he asked his students to turn the page and begin. To everyone’s surprise, there were no questions….just a black dot in the center of the page. The professor seeing the expression on everyone’s face, told them the following:

“I want you to write what you see there.”

The students confused, got started on the inexplicable task.

At the end of the class, the professor took all the answer papers and started reading each one of them aloud in front of all the students. All of them with no exceptions, described the black dot, trying to explain its position in the middle of the sheet, etc. etc. etc. After all had been read, the classroom silent, the professor began to explain:

“I am not going to grade on you this, I just wanted to give you something to think about. No one wrote about the white part of the paper. Everyone focused on the black dot – and the same happens in our lives. We have a white paper to observe and enjoy, but we always focus on the dark spots. Our life is a gift given to us by God, with love and care, and we always have reasons to celebrate – nature renewing itself everyday, our friends around us, the job that provides our livelihood, the miracles we see everyday…….

However we insist on focusing only on the dark spots – the health issues that bother us, the lack of money, the complicated relationship with a family member, the disappointment with a friend etc

The dark spots are very small compared to everything we have in our lives, but they are the ones that pollute our minds.

Take your eyes away from the black spots in your life. Enjoy each one of your blessings, each moment that life gives you.

Be happy and live a life positively!

 

The Heartbreaking Pursuit of Wealth

by Coach Muller, posted in Decisions in Life, Encouragement, Encouraging, Happiness, Heartwarming, Inspirational, Inspiring, Interesting, Life, Life Decisions, Motivating, Motivational, Positive Thinking, Psychology, Thankfulness, Thought Provoking, Thoughtfulness, truths, Wisdom
Tax Credits
Photo Credit: Tax Credits via CC Flickr

The pursuit of happiness. This is the goal of just about every person on earth. What is happiness? What makes a person truly happy? Unfortunately, too many people believe that true happiness comes from wealth, beautiful houses, and fancy cars…just to name a few. Sadly, it usually isn’t until late in a person’s life when they finally realize the futility and hollowness of material things when all of the most important things in a lifetime has passed them by.

I recently came across a story on rishikajain.com, of a man who used to be one of the wealthiest men of the world and realized in his last days what the most important thing in his life was. It is my hope that the following story, will inspire you to understand that the essential things in our lives aren’t the things that we see but are the things that are unseen.

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The last words of Steve Jobs –

I’ve reached the peak of success in the business world.
In the eyes of others my life has been the symbol of success.
However, apart from the job, I have a little joy. In the end, the wealth is just a fact to which I’m used to it.

At this time, lying on the hospital bed and remembering my whole life, I realize that all the awards and the wealth of which I was so proud, have become insignificant in front of the imminent death.

In the dark, when I look at the green lights of machinery for artificial respiration and I hear the hum of their mechanical sounds, I can feel the breath of death that is coming…
Just now I realized, once that accumulate enough money for the rest of your life, we have to pursue other objectives that are not related to the wealth.

It should be something more important:
For example, the stories of love, the art, the dreams of when I was a kid…
Don’t stop to pursue the wealth will only turn a person in a be twisted, just like me.
God has given us the senses to make us feel the love in the heart of each one of us, not the illusions built by the fame.

The money that I earned in my life I can bring them with me.
What can I bring with me I’m just the memories strengthened by love.
This is the real wealth that will follow you, take you, will give you the strength and the light to go forward.

Love can travel for a thousand miles. Life has no limit. Go where you want to go. You reach the quotes that you want to reach. It’s all in your heart and in your hands.
What is the bed more expensive in the world? The hospital bed.
You can hire someone to drive the car for you, that you gain for you, but you can’t have someone you don’t mind the disease in your place.

The material things lost can be found. But there is one thing that can never be found when you lose: the life.

At any stage of life we are in this moment, in the end we will have to deal with the day that it’s curtains.

Do treasure of love for your family, the love for your spouse, of love for your friends…

Trattatevi well. Take good care of the next.

 

The Dedicated Blogger Award 2016

by Coach Muller, posted in Award, Blessings, Encouragement, Friends, Inspiring, Interesting, Life, Thankfulness, Thought Provoking
Dedicated Blogger Award
The Dedicated Blogger Award 2016 from Blackbutterfly7

My friend, Blackbutterfly7, has nominated “Good Time Stories” for the Dedicated Blogger Award 2016. In creating and nominating the award, she wrote:

“Blogging, some say, is losing ground on the Internet. Many people are now using Twitter or Snapchat or Instagram to convey their thoughts, leaving the more ‘old-fashioned’ blog behind.

But there are those who understand that, sometimes, a long form is best. Who know that it takes time, and craft, and WORDS as well as images to convey a thought, and to start a conversation.

This Award is dedicated to those bloggers who consistently provide wisdom, inspiration, kindness, gentleness and truth to the world through their blogs.

This is a my “thank you” to you. Please, pass it on!”

There are no rules, but I suggest that the award be posted on the blog. If the theme does not have borders for posting the award, then consider a page (not post) for awards and putting it on the menu of your blog.

Here’s a hearty thank you and heartfelt appreciation to Blackbutterfly for this award. It also gives me great pleasure to pay this forward to other bloggers who provide wisdom, inspiration, kindness, gentleness and truth to the world through their blogs.

As always, I’m afraid of leaving someone out who deserves the award, but have decided on the following blogs below.  Some of the bloggers have jobs, or have had things happen in their life, but they continue to blog, giving us all inspiration.  Some blog about their personal experiences and struggles and overcoming.  Their writings cause me to feel that they are like family.

This is not to say that there are not other bloggers who I enjoy, but they have already been nominated by other recipients.  That’s the great thing about our Word Press family.

Dr. Rex

The Key of Life

Lorna’s Voice

Gr8fullSoul

Chronicle of A Blogaholic

On Pets and PrisonersOn Pets and Prisoners

 

The Beauty Inside You

by Coach Muller, posted in Blessings, Encouragement, Encouraging, God, God's Promises, Happiness, Heartwarming, Inspiration, Inspirational, Inspiring, Interesting, Life, Life's Lessons, Motivating, Motivational, Positive Thinking, Smile, Story About Life, Thankfulness, Thought Provoking, Thoughtfulness, truths, Uplifting, Wisdom
Ben Seidelman
Photo Credit: Ben Seidelman via CC FLickr

The Holidays are here! Millions upon millions of people rush around looking for gifts to buy, decorate their homes, spend time with their family and friends and enjoy welcoming in the New Year with their loved ones.

Unfortunately, there is a flip side to this time of year…a dark side you might say. The holiday season is also the pinnacle of year in which an untold amount of individuals suffer depression, loneliness, and despair. It is during this point of time that the suicide rate around the world, is at its highest.

It is for this reason that I decided to share this video with you. Watch it to the very end. It is my hope and prayer that it will encourage and uplift you but most importantly, help you to realize that there is a simple beauty inside each one of us!

 

 

Hey Coach

by Coach Muller, posted in Athletes, Athletics, Coaching, Encouragement, Encouraging, Heartwarming, Inspirational, Life, Motivational, Sports, Thankfulness
Photo Credit: Lesley Show via CC Flickr
Photo Credit: Lesley Show via CC Flickr

I have been a coach of many sports on all levels for 30 years. For most o those years, I coached three sports a season in a row. People used to ask me, “how can you do that?” “How do you find the energy to be able to coach so much? spend so much time with players and not get tired of it?”

Well, world famous author, Mark Twain, once said this, “If you love your job, you will never work a day in your life.”  This quote is one of my favorite of all time because it is so true. I have truly enjoyed every season that I have coached my players.

Besides the joys of victory and the agony of defeat of the games on the field, it’s the everyday coaching, teaching, and building relationships with people on a daily basis, that makes the job so rewarding. There is nothing that means more to me than when a player (or parent) tells you how much they learned the sport, enjoyed their experience, or other things that may have touched their lives.

I recently came across the following “Letter to a Coach” on FaceBook that I thought would give you a glimpse of what players sometimes say to a coach and illustrate why the profession of coaching is so fulfilling. 

~ Coach Muller

Since I have graduated high school there is one phrase that I miss saying more than I ever thought I would. “Hey Coach” left my lips at least once a day. Anyone who has  ever had a coach knows just how important they are. I’m sure everyone will say that their coach is the best. But this post is not about the coaches you’ve had. This is about mine. If I wrote just how much one person has changed my life, this post would be unreasonably long. But it is crazy to me that one person can do so much.

What makes a good coach? Well, don’t ask me! I’m a little too picky, grumpy, and “my way or the highway”.

What makes a good coach? My coach.  My coach has pushed me to success, and pushed me to tears. My coach has been a parent figure when times got tough, my best friend when we could celebrate our wins, and a shoulder to literally cry on. When we succeeded my coach succeeded. When we failed we knew we let coach down.  But that never stopped coach from loving us.

What makes a good coach? Compassion. I never doubted the love coach had for me. Not one day went by without my coach showing, or telling me how much I was appreciated.

What makes a good coach? Coaches leave their family, and dedicate their time to the people and the sport they love, even if sometimes it doesn’t feel worth it. Missing vacations, birthdays, and so much more, to give their time and love to us, even when we are ungrateful.

What makes a good coach? Everything my coach was, and everything I will be because of it.  One single person can change your life. And I know my coach changed my life for the best.

I’m trying to be like my coach. Hard, yet soft, harsh but loving, a rock, a shoulder to cry on.

I don’t know how to even thank someone, who has done what they have done for me. I know I will never be able to repay coach for the things done.

If you had a coach who changed you, please, go thank them. If you have a coach now. Go now,and thank them.

You don’t know how much they sacrifice for you, and for your team.  I love you coach. I love you for pushing me, I love you for accepting me, I love you for caring about me without fail. I love you for still caring even when new team mates have taken my place. I love you for being you.

Thank you.

Are You REALLY Thankful?

by Coach Muller, posted in Blessings, Encouragement, Heaven, Inspiration, Inspirational, Life, Love, Thankfulness
Photo Credit: Peasap via CC Flickr
Photo Credit: Peasap via CC Flickr

Every once in a while, I come across a short story or illustration that reminds me of things that I may have forgotten…such was the case when I found this brief tale. It made me remember really how fortunate that I am and how important it is to always give thanks and be thankful!

I dreamt that I went to Heaven and an angel was showing me around. We walked side-by-side inside a large workroom filled with angels.

My angel guide stopped in front of the first section and said, ‘This Is the Receiving Section. Here, all petitions to God said in prayer are Received.’

I looked around in this area, and it was terribly busy with so many angels sorting out petitions written on voluminous paper sheets and scraps from people all over the world.

Then we moved on down a long corridor until we reached the second section.

The angel then said to me, ‘This is the Packaging and Delivery Section. Here, the graces and blessings the people asked for are processed and delivered to the living persons who asked for them.’

I noticed again how busy it was there. There were many angels working hard at that station, since so many blessings had been requested and were being packaged for delivery to Earth

Finally at the farthest end of the long corridor we stopped at the Door of a very small station To my great surprise, only one angel was Seated there, idly doing nothing.

‘This is the Acknowledgment Section,’ My angel friend quietly admitted to me. He seemed embarrassed ‘How Is it that there is no work going on here?’ I asked.

‘So sad,’ the angel sighed. ‘After people receive the blessings that they asked For, very few send back acknowledgments .’

‘How does one acknowledge God’s blessings?’ I asked.

‘Simple,’ the angel answered. Just say, ‘Thank you, Lord.’

‘What blessings should they acknowledge? ‘ I asked..

‘If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep you are richer than 75% of this world.

If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish, you are among the top 8% of the world’s wealthy .’

‘And if you get this on your own computer, you are part of the 1% in the world who has that opportunity. ‘

Also ‘ If you woke up this morning with more health than illness … You are more blessed than the many who will not even survive this day .’

‘If you have never experienced the fear in battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation .. You are ahead of 700 million people in the world.’ ;

‘If you can attend a church without the fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death you are envied by, and more blessed than, three billion people In the world .’

‘If your parents are still alive and still married …you are very rare .’

‘If you can hold your head up and smile, you are not the norm, you’re unique to all those in doubt and despair.’

Ok, what now? How can I start?

If you can read this message, you just received a double blessing in that someone was thinking of you as very special and you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world who cannot read at all.

Remember to always be thankful…and GIVE thanks!

The “Power of Words Award”

by Coach Muller, posted in Award, Encouragement, Thankfulness

Power of Words Award

I am very humbled and honored to accept the nomination for the new blog award, the “Power of Words Award.” “Good Time Stories” was been nominated by my awesome blogger and friend, Dr. Rex, author of her web page. “It Is What It Is.”

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This new blog award was created by a fellow blogger, “The Idealistic Rebel”

 ~~IN HER OWN WORDS~~ 

I have designed this award because so many feel they can’t change the world. They can. You can. Your words, your blog can educate, raise awareness, change opinions and raise spirits. Through your blog you are reaching people you may never have effected any other way.

So this is for all who click away on the computer with a heart full of love, kindness, compassion and caring. For all of you who write to correct wrongs and injustices. For all of you who work to bring light into our world and hope to people’s lives. You are all heroes in my book.

Please accept this heart-felt award and pass it on to those in your WordPress family who deserve it. Let’s keep it going for the entire year. May it inspire all with light, words, and love for the human family.

You all know how much I hate rules, so please just

*post the award on your blog*

*thank the person who gave it to you*

*pass it on to those whom you deem worthy*

*let your nominees know*

THERE ARE REALLY NO RULES

JUST REMEMBER: OUR WORDS CAN CHANGE THE WORLD

——————–

I’m fully aware that some of you do not accept awards and that is fine. I just want to recognize that, from my vantage point, the work that you do is beyond compare and truly makes a difference in our world. Your work also motivates me to continue trying from my little corner in cyberspace. 

_____________

My Nominations for the “Power of Words Award”

Hairball Express

A New Perspective Perhaps

Black Butterfly 7

Old Mainer

How You Feeling?

Pictures That Speak Volumes #60

by Coach Muller, posted in Animal Photography, Animals, Children, Entertaining, friendship, Interesting, Life, Photography, Relationships, Thankfulness, Thanksgiving

Hug 2There is nothing better than getting a nice,soft, fluffy hug from a friend!

A Great Thought to Start Your Day

by Coach Muller, posted in Encouraging, Heartwarming, Inspiring, Interesting, Life, Nature, Photography, Thankfulness, Thought Provoking, Wisdom
Photo Credit: Chris Bickham via CC Flickr
Photo Credit: Chris Bickham via CC Flickr

Life is like the Ocean.

It can be calm and still

Or rough and rigid

But in the end…

It is always beautiful!

The Harmony and Peace Award

by Coach Muller, posted in Award, Encouraging, Interesting, Motivational, Thankfulness, Thought Provoking

 

The Harmony and Peace Award“Good Time Stories” has been nominated and honored as a one of the first recipients of “The Harmony & Peace Award” by Dr. Rex, Writer and creator of “It Is What It Is” I would like to invite you to visit Dr. Rex’s blog page, “It Is What It Is”. Personally, I have always found her to be a lovely lady who constantly sends me words of encouragement and positive thoughts. Her web page, without a doubt, reflects her persona. I hope you enjoy it!

 

This award was created by the “Idealistic Rebel”

~IN HER OWN WORDS~

“I created this new award to celebrate all those who promote Harmony & Peace, and who add Love & Beauty to the world through their Blogs and through their lives. Their Positivity makes the world a better place for all of us.

 

~The Rules~

As most of you know by now, I am not big on rules, but here they are…

  1. Give this award to seven bloggers who have added Harmony & Peace, Love & Beauty and Positivity to the world you live in.
  2. Let them know that you nominated them.
  3. Acknowledge the blogger from whom you received this award
  4. Display your award on your blog, because you have earned it!
  5. Continue to live in Harmony & Peace”

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On Pets and Prisoners – If you love animals, then this site is just for you!!

Lorna’s Voice – If you enjoy finding humor in everyday life, check out this site!!

Reclaim Our Republic – If you REALLY love America, this page is what you need.

Hairball Express – Simply one of my all-time favorite blogs. Written from the perspective of a cat! Hilarious stuff…I love it!!

Fourth Generation Farm Girl – A great site that has it all…from the experience of an all – American farm girl that covers many fascinating topics!

Advent Celebration – This is new web page that features recipes and memories of the Advent season. Come back and visit the daily updates. You’ll enjoy this yummy and enjoyable site.

My 52 Sundays – A truly inspirational and uplifting page! Visit each day for special words of encouragement and awesome stories!

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Enjoy the Day!

Thanksgiving Memories

by Coach Muller, posted in Inspiring, Interesting, Life, Parent and child relationship, Relationships, Thankfulness, Thought Provoking
Our Thanksgiving Table Last Year
Our Thanksgiving Table

Thanksgiving is without question, one of my favorite holidays of the year. There is nothing nicer than being outside either watching or playing a football in the crisp fall air, then returning indoors, into a house that is warm and filled with the mouth-watering smells of a cooking turkey, various pies, stuffing, and other tasty foods. Laughing, talking, and spending our time with our family, friends and loved ones is simply priceless.

As much as I enjoy sharing my own personal memories with you, I thought, a week or so ago, that it would be an interesting idea to ask my fellow bloggers what their favorite thing about Thanksgiving might be. The following accounts are what some of them decided to share with you! I would like to ask you to visit their blogs when you have a moment.

Enjoy and Have A Wonderful Thanksgiving!

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On Pets and Prisoners

http://loisajay1213.wordpress.com/

A few things my husband never fails to remind me of, every single Thanksgiving:
1. the time I cooked the turkey with the giblets packet still inside the bird. I thought I got everything out. I don’t even eat turkey–I’m vegan! He thought it was strange they didn’t include the innards to make gravy…
2. The first time I cooked our turkey, I roasted it upside down. It was crazy trying to watch that little thing pop up to let me know the bird was done..
3. The time my husband tried to ‘help’ me take the bird out of the oven. I think a tad bit of the pain touched his arm–and he dropped the entire pan on the floor. Turkey and drippings EVERYWHERE. Needless to say, the pan wasn’t the only thing that was hot.

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I Don’t get It

http://sanceau.com/

Time with family–without pressure of gifts, lounging around on a couch stuffed bigger than the turkey until my aunt decides that it’s time for a family walk around the neighborhood. Stuffing, cranberries, bread, turkey, wine, yams, and everyone saying what he or she is thankful for.

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Lorna’s Voice

http://lornasvoice.com/

Being the middle child, I’ve lived in the shadow of my older and younger sisters. Yet one of my talents shines through on Thanksgiving and I feel special, even irreplaceable. I make the best challah (Jewish egg braided bread) anyone has ever eaten. It’s simply not Thanksgiving without “Lorna’s bread.” I’m very grateful for the bread, the fact that everyone enjoys it so much, and for the yearly recognition!

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SanseiLife

http://sanseilife.wordpress.com/

My Favorite Thing About Thanksgiving Is the memory of my dad teaching me to carve a turkey. We would work on it together and because I was his helper I got to be the first to taste the turkey as we worked. He was second to taste, thats the kind of person he was letting his assistant have the first taste! We would carve the whole turkey at once so we were done with it for the day, my mom would immediately put the carcass in the big pot of water for turkey soup. What a wonderful skill to have, I often volunteer to carve the turkey at gatherings and I have gotten very fast over the years. Each time I carve a turkey I remember those days of sharing the task with my dad and the two of us sneaking tastes of the turkey as we worked.

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Karen

Macy’s parade on TV, followed by the dog show…the ONE day dinner is AT the table with family (and often including friends, who’d otherwise be alone)…also, last year, passing the “torch” to my daughter, to do the “honors” of cooking the meal in HER home was a proud moment for me!

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Fourth Generation Farm Girl

http://fourthgenerationfarmgirl.com/

When I think of Thanksgiving, I’m reminded of the smell of homemade dressing baking in the oven. It’s an old family recipe that’s been passed down from my great-grandmother. Grandma and Mom made it every year: sautéing onions and celery, mixing with bread crumbs and turkey broth and then preparing it into little patties that they would bake and place on a platter. It just wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without it!

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This Day With God

http://thisdaywithgod.wordpress.com/

I’m thankful for family and good food. Being from a family that loves sports, we always take in a few football games. There are lots of spectacular games this time of the year as teams play their rivals and a lot is on the line.

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Sstorms0730’s Blog

http://sstorm0730.me/

When dinner was done, my PopPop would sit at the head of the table and I would occupy his lap. Nana placed the turkey carcass in front of us and he would tell me stories while we picked it clean. He is gone now, and I am much older, but I have never forgotten that time with him, feeling like the Princess of the Thanksgiving table.

There is Nothing Nicer…

by Coach Muller, posted in Children, Creativity, Entertaining, Family, Happiness, Interesting, Life, Relationships, Thankfulness

Awesome BirthdayThere is simply nothing nicer than watching the joy on the face of a little boy who just got a homemade racing car cake for his birthday!

One Of The Most Precious Things….

by Coach Muller, posted in Children, Encouraging, Interesting, Life, Thankfulness, Thought Provoking, truths

How often do we take the simplest things in life for granted? This short video shows the joy and beauty of hearing.

The Love Monster

by Coach Muller, posted in Child's love, Children, Compassion, Family, father, father's love, Interesting, kindness, Life, Love, mother, Parent and child relationship, Relationships, Thankfulness, Thought Provoking, truths, Wisdom
Photo Credit: Ingrid Taylar via CC Flickr
Photo Credit: Ingrid Taylar via CC Flickr

There are many times throughout of lives that we can lose focus on the most important things in our lives and direct our attention on things that may seem more important. It was once said that the most important things in life aren’t seen…the following story is a heartwarming illustration of this idea.

A few summers’s ago, a man decided to take his wife and his precious little 5 year old daughter, along with him on a business trip to an exotic land. He had been searching for a job for many months and plans were made to meet an executive of a very well-known company for a job interview. The future looked promising, for the possibility of receiving an offer from the company would give the man and his family financial security for a long time.

The little family arrived at their destination and to their surprise, the hotel in which they were going to stay was on a very beautiful beach…even more delightful and exquisite than they ever imagined.

They quickly changed into their bathing suits, gathered their beach chairs, towels, blankets and umbrella and made their way to the turquoise sea as fast as they could. For the rest of the day, they all laughed and enjoyed themselves splashing in the water, swimming, body surfing and making sandcastles…what a glorious day it was!!!

The next morning, while his family was still sleeping, the man went down to the outdoor café to meet the business executive for the big meeting. Excited and anxious, the father met the company rep and they soon began their discussion….

A short time later, in the hotel, after eating their breakfast, the mother and little girl got ready for another visit to the white sandy beach.

After playing in the water and sand for a while, the little girl told her mom that she needed to use the bathroom.  She told her mom that she knew where it was and that she would come right back.

On the way to the restroom, the little girl noticed a big chain-linked fence that had a big sign on it with a picture. It was a picture of a black skull and cross bones with a red circle with a line through it covering the images. On the other side of the fence was a beautiful green pond. She had never seen water so green and it was covered with green stuff which looked like clovers.

“Aren’t four leave clovers lucky?” she thought to herself. “I am going to climb that fence, swim around in that stuff and cover myself from head to toe with that green goop.”

Once over the fence and immersing herself in the slimy liquid, she covered herself from head to toe with the green stuff. She grabbed handfuls of the matter and stuffed it into her bathing suit. “Wow! This is fun!” she thought. “I am now the luckiest girl in the whole world!”

Then suddenly, with a smile growing on her little face…she had an awesome plan!

Meanwhile, at the beach, the little girl’s mother noticed that her daughter had been gone for much too long, got worried, left the beach and started frantically looking for her. Her fear mounted and grew each minute as everywhere she looked, her daughter just couldn’t be found. No one had seen her anywhere.

Suddenly, she heard a scream as she saw her little girl land on the ground in front of the fence of the contaminated pond. The girl got up screaming and made an unusual, creepy sound that touched the deepest part of the mother’s heart. As the mother yelled the girl’s name, the little child seemingly ignored her mom’s calls and started running as fast as she could to the hotel’s eating area.

At the café, things were really starting to look very promising for the father. The discussions with the business executive had gone very well and with excitement and expectations growing, his anticipation of finally landing the big job was beyond belief.

All of a sudden, from behind him, he heard his wife calling his little girl’s name in a frightened voice and his daughter’s terrifying screams and growls approaching him. The look on the executive’s face was that of horror and unbelief as he watched the rapidly approaching creature come up to the father from behind.

 

Stunned and turning around in his chair the green creature instantly attacked the father, gave him a bone-crushing hug, instantly splattering the green slime all over the executive’s Taylor-made suit. The little gremlin started covering him with kisses, and said over and over again, “I love you! I love you! I love you!” “I AM THE LOVE MONSTER!”

The infuriated business executive snarled at the little girl “Alright! That’s enough! Your time is over!” Then he barked at the dad, “tell your daughter that her time is over and to leave us alone!!!”

With all of the love and compassion that a father could ever have in his heart, he smiled down at his dear little Love Monster, scooped her up in his arms, then said to the executive…I am sorry sir, but YOUR TIME IS OVER.

And with that, while carrying his beautiful little daughter, took his wife’s hand, and walked away…the happiest man in the world.

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What are your priorities? What are the important things to you? What are the “things” that make you REALLY happy? The choice is yours!

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Author: Rich Muller

A Poem for Grandma

by Coach Muller, posted in Compassion, Encouraging, Family, kindness, Life, Parent and child relationship, Relationships, Thankfulness, Thought Provoking, truths, Wisdom
Photo Credit: State Library of Victoria Collection via CC Flickr
Photo Credit: State Library of Victoria Collection via CC Flickr

When I was growing up, my grandma was like my second mom. She was always at home when my brother and I got home from school. She told us stories, taught us things from the Bible, sang with us, laughed with us, corrected us, made us help her in her garden and loved us in so many ways…that I can’t even count them.

I found this short poem the other day that made me think of my dear grandma that passed away so lone ago. But the time that I shared with her and the memories that I have will always be in my heart. I love you granny…

Her arms are always open

To welcome all with love

Her smile is brighter than the stars

That Sparkle high above

 

She listens without judgement

She takes the time to share

God bless this dear Grandma

And hole her in Your care

The Flag That Doesn’t Fly

by Coach Muller, posted in Encouraging, Interesting, Life, Military, Thankfulness, Thought Provoking, Veterans, War, World War 1, World War 2
Field1Between the fields where the flag is planted, there are 9+ miles of flower fields
that go all the way to the ocean. The flowers are grown by seed companies.
It’s a beautiful place, close to Vandenberg AFB.
Check out the dimensions of the flag…
The Floral Flag is 740 feet long and 390 feet wide and maintains the proper Flag dimensions, as
described in Executive Order #10834.
This Flag is 6.65 acres and is the first Floral Flag to be planted with 5 pointed Stars, comprised of White
Larkspur.
Each Star is 24 feet in diameter, each Stripe is 30 feet wide.
This Flag is estimated to contain more than 400,000 Larkspur plants with 4-5 flower stems each, for a total of more than 2 million flowers.
For our soldiers….
Field2
Please stop for a moment and say a prayer for our servicemen. 

Dog Angels

by Coach Muller, posted in Animals, Family, friendship, Interesting, Life, Love, Poem, Relationships, Thankfulness, truths
Photo Credit: dogwarsallianceinfo.yolasite.com
Photo Credit: dogwarsallianceinfo.yolasite.com

It has once been said that “A dog is man’s best friend.” I know one thing for sure, I had an awesome dog as a kid and he WAS one of my best friends, Here’s a cute little poem dedicated to all of our “friends” who have left this earth to go to the “Great Beyond.”

DOG ANGELS

I found a penny today

Just laying on the ground

But it’s not just a penny

This little coin I’ve found

 

Found pennies come from heaven

That’s what my Grandpa told me

He said, “Dog-Angels toss them down.”

Oh, how I loved that story

 

He said, “When a Dog-Angel misses you

He tosses a penny down,

Sometimes just to cheer you up

To make a smile out of your frown.”

 

So don’t pass by that penny

When you’re feeling blue,

It may be a penny from heaven,

That your dog has passed to you.

 

A Little Piece of Home

by Coach Muller, posted in Encouraging, Inspiring, Interesting, Life, Military, Thankfulness, Thought Provoking, War
Photo Credit: via FaceBook
Photo Credit: via FaceBook

Have you ever thought about how precious and fortunate we are to live in the land that we do? After reading the following short story, I am sure that you will think of our land a little differently.

This soldier in Iraq asked his wife to send him dirt (U.S. soil), fertilizer, and some grass seed so that he can have the sweet aroma, and feel the grass grow beneath his feet. When the men of the squadron have a mission that they are going on, they take turns walking through the grass and the American soil — to bring them good luck.

Of all the things he could have asked his wife to send to him from home…he asked for American soil.

Thank you to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces for volunteering to protect us from those that wish harm upon us!

Every Flag Tells a Story At Mobile’s Historic Magnolia & National Cemeteries

by Coach Muller, posted in Historical, Holiday, Interesting, Life, Military, Sacrifice, Soldiers, Thankfulness, Thought Provoking, Veterans, War, World War 1, World War 2
Photo Credit: blog.al.com
Photo Credit: blog.al.com

The one thing I enjoy is looking for inspiring and heartwarming stories of all kinds of occasions, experiences and places around the world. Recently, I came across the following article, which, to me, was an interesting and heartwarming story of a national cemetery in Alabama. Since the story and the happenings in the cemetery take place only twice a year (Memorial Day and Veterans Day), I thought that it would be something nice to share with you as we celebrate Memorial Day!

The Avenue of Heroes at Magnolia Cemetery is one again festooned with American flags, thanks to family members who have donated service members’ casket flags. Flown twice a year, at Memorial Day and Veterans Day, the flags line the cemetery’s entrances at Ann Street and at Virginia Street.

The cemetery started the program with the first display of flags in 2007.

The Veterans Administration honors deceased veterans with a large, 6-foot-by-8-foot flag to drape over his or her casket at the funeral. Traditionally, the flag is folded and handed to the surviving spouse after the service. “Most people get one and think, ‘What do I do with this?'” said Tom McGehee, president of the Friends of Magnolia Cemetery. “Then they sit on a shelf or in a closet.”

After a flag is donated to the cemetery, it’s hung from a pole with an engraved plaque attached that includes the veteran’s name, rank, branch of service and war, if applicable, said Janet Savage, executive director of Magnolia Cemetery.

It takes two days for Mark Halseth, cemetery superintendent, to put up all the flags. As of today, 65 flags are flying at the cemetery. “The Internet is amazing,” said Savage, noting that 24 of the flags are from out of state from families who learned about the program online.

Savage’s own uncle’s flag is among those flying at Magnolia. “He was missing in action in World War II, and his flag had been in the closet for 60 years,” she said. “There are a lot of stories out there.”

“It really is a pretty sight on a breezy day,” said McGehee.

When the flags are taken down, they’re stored at the cemetery office until the next holiday. The Friends group even bought a dryer to completely dry the flags before they go into storage.

For more information about the Avenue of Heroes program, contact Janet Savage at (251) 432-8672.

Meanwhile, each of the 3,867 graves at the adjacent Mobile National Cemetery received a miniature American flag, stuck 12 inches from the front of the headstone, on Friday, as they do every Memorial Day.

Usually, a group volunteers to put out the flags and pick them back up, but this year no one stepped up, said Larry Robinson, program support assistant at Barrancas National Cemetery at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola.

“We have a contract to put out the flags in case we don’t have volunteers,” Robinson said.

In Pensacola, Boy Scouts are volunteering to adorn the markers of some 30,000 graves, he said.

Established in 1865, Mobile National Cemetery holds the remains of veterans of eight wars: the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, War Between the States, Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War, according to a Department of Veterans Affairs brochure.

National Cemetery is a closed cemetery, meaning no more interments can take place there.