Six Little Stories of Wisdom

Posted on January 31, 2021 by Coach Muller

Photo by **Andrea Piacquadio** from **Pexels**

One of the things that I enjoy, is finding stories, anecdotes, and other little nuggets of wisdom and knowledge to share with others. A friend of mine sent me the following Six VERY short stories that demonstrate short examples of simple truths. I hope that you find them as enjoyable and helpful as I did!

Enjoy!

{1}
Once all villagers decided to pray for rain. On the day of prayer all the people gathered, but only one boy came with an umbrella.
That’s FAITH.

{2}
When you throw babies in the air,they laugh because they know you will catch them.
That’s TRUST.

{3}
Every night we go to bed without any assurance of being alive the next morning, but still we set the alarms to wake up.
That’s HOPE

{4}
We plan big things for tomorrow in spite of zero knowledge of the future.
That’s CONFIDENCE

{5}
We see the world suffering,but still we get married and have children.
That’s LOVE.

{6}
On an old man’s shirt was written a sentence’I am not 80 years old; I am sweet 16 with 64 years of experience.’
That’s ATTITUDE.

Have a happy day & live your life like the 6 stories.

When I was a child, I thought nap time was punishment. Now it’s like a mini-vacation.

“GOOD FRIENDS ARE THE RARE JEWELS OF LIFE..DIFFICULT TO FIND AND IMPOSSIBLE TO REPLACE!

The Secret of Winners

Posted on January 23, 2021 by Coach Muller

I recently came across the following story that I found interesting and inspirational. Unfortunately, I do not who wrote this analogy, I think that this is something that will inspire people whose desires and goals in their lives are to become leaders in their everyday lives.

Enjoy!

In the Jungle:

1. The Elephant is the biggest

2. The Giraffe is the tallest

3. The Fox is the wisest

4. The Cheetah is the fastest

Yet, the Lion is the King of the Jungle even without any of these qualities.

Why?

Because:

1. The Lion is courageous, bold, walks with confidence, is daring and never afraid.

2. The Lion believes it is unstoppable.

3. The Lion is a risk taker.

4. The Lion believes any food is for him.

5. The lion believes any opportunity is worth trying.

So…

1. You don’t need to be the biggest.

2. You don’t have to be the tallest.

3. You don’t have to be the wisest.

4. You don’t have to be the fastest.

All you need is “courage.”

All you need is the “will to try.”

All you need is the “Faith” to believe it is “Possible.”

All you need is to believe in yourself and believe that you can do it.

The Lion never walks alone! It is the only big cat that lives, hunts, and eats in groups. This quality demonstrates that we all need each other to succeed…whether it be in a family, neighborhood, workplace, Church/Mosque/Synagogue, and the nation at large!

Never Walk Along!

Stay in the Lion’s Mood!

That’s the mood for winners…regardless how old you are!

Have the Mind of a Lion!!!

The Four Candles – A Story of Peace in Troubled Times

Posted on January 16, 2021 by Coach Muller

If you’ve ever felt despair, suffered tragedy or generally gone through the harshness of life, this is a wonderful story that will lift your spirits…

The Four Candles burned slowly. Their Ambiance was so soft you could hear them speak…

The First Candle said, “I Am Peace, but these days, nobody wants to keep me lit.”

Then Peace’s flame slowly diminishes and goes out completely.

The Second Candle said, “I Am Faith, but these days, I am no longer indispensable.”

Then Faith’s flame slowly diminishes and goes out completely.

Sadly, The Third Candle Speaks, “I Am Love and I haven’t the strength to stay lit any longer.

People put me aside and don’t understand my importance. They even forget to love those who are nearest to them.” Waiting no longer, Love goes out completely.

Suddenly…A child enters the room and sees the three candles no longer burning. The child begins to cry, “Why are you not burning? You are supposed to stay lit until the end!”

Then the Fourth Candle speaks gently to the little child, “Don’t be afraid, for I Am Hope, and while I still burn, we can re-light the other candles.”

With Shining Eyes, the child took the Candle Of Hope and lit the other three candles.

Never let the Flame of Hope go out of your life. With Hope, no matter how bad things look and are…Peace, Faith and Love can Shine Brightly in our lives.

~ Author Unknown

The Right Place

Posted on December 6, 2020 by Coach Muller

Don’t ever forget this:

A father said to his son: You graduated with honors, here is a car that I acquired many years ago … it is several years old.

But before I give it to you, take it to the used car lot downtown and tell them I want to sell it and see how much they offer you.

The son went to the used car lot, returned to his father and said, “They offered me $ 1,000 because it looks very worn out.”

The father said, “Take him to the pawn shop.”

The son went to the pawn shop, returned to his father and said, “The pawn shop offered $ 100 because it was a very old car.”

The father asked his son to go to a car club and show them the car.

The son took the car to the club, returned and told his father: “Some people in the club offered $ 100,000 for it, since it is a Nissan Skyline R34, iconic car and sought after by many.

The father said to his son, “I wanted you to know that the right place values you the right way.” …

If you are not valued, do not be angry, it means that you are in the wrong place. Those who know your value are those who appreciate you, and never stay in a place where no one sees your value.

~ A.J. Morrow

Listening to the Sound of Silence

Posted on November 25, 2020 by Coach Muller

Today’s world is getting busier and busier. It seems as though the anxieties, stresses, and the speed of the events going on around us are going faster and quicker every day. There are times when it seems like we just can’t catch up with the things that we would like to do. Our minds sometimes seem so overwhelmed with all the vast amounts of technology and information bombarding us…it can sometimes feel like we are going “over the edge.”

Well, I have good news for you time! The following is a simple story that I hope serves as a great reminder…for all of us…the importance of taking some time for ourselves each day!

There once was a farmer who discovered that he had lost his watch in his barn. You see, it was no ordinary watch because it had great sentimental value for him. The watch had been passed down to him through the generations and it broke his heart knowing that he lost the watch.

He searched and searched but he could not find the treasured heirloom. After much thought and contemplation, the farmer decided to enlist the help of a group of children that were playing outside the barn. The children looked and looked for the watch, but they just couldn’t find it.

The farmer was heartbroken…it seemed like the watch was lost forever. But just when the farmer was about to give up, a little boy came up to him and the farmer, “Mr. Farmer, can I look for the watch one more time?” The farmer looked at him and thought, “why not?” “It certainly wouldn’t hurt…after all your friends looked for a few hours and couldn’t find it,” the farmer said.

So, the farmer told the little boy to go back into the barn and continue his search. To his complete surprise and astonishment, the boy come out, face beaming with pride, with the farmer’s watch in his hand!

The farmer was so happy and surprised! He asked the boy, “How did you find the watch? There were so many other people searching for it and they couldn’t find it, how did you discover it so quickly?”

The boy simply replied, “I did nothing but sit quietly on the ground and listen…in silence. Then I heard the ticking of the watch and just looked for it in the direction the sound was coming from.”

You see folks, in the hustle and bustle of today’s world, we all need to take some time for ourselves to be quiet and allow ourselves to enjoy the gift of relaxing, re-energizing silence. A peaceful mind will allow us to think better and more clearly than a mind full of turmoil, anxiety, and stress.

Allow yourself to take some time each day to silence your mind and discover how it will help your day run a little smoother and happier when you quiet your soul!

Ants in My Pants

Posted on October 29, 2020 by Coach Muller

This is a great illustration as to why some people do not do politics.
This was my friend’s article in his church’s newsletter.

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” ~ Philippians 4:8

As children, we played outside all the time. I am sure it was because we did not have air conditioning and the house was hotter than outside. Getting tangled up with “red ants” was a common occurrence.

Now it should not be a surprise to anyone that I was a very hyper child. So one day I was riding my bike and came across a huge red ant pile. Do you remember the phrase, “I got ants in my pants and I need to dance”? Well, I decided to see what that was like and I sat right down in the middle of that ant pile. You can guess what happens next… I got covered with ants. I ran home screaming and crying. I do not know what my mom said, but I do remember her pouring alcohol all over the bites.

You may be wondering what this has to do with the verse in Philippians. We are living in a time with information overload. We are filling our time watching and consuming information that we have no control over. I have quite a few friends who have become angry, and cynical because all they do is watch the news and then feel like they have to change the world by posting and talking and trashing the headlines.

Mostly it is about politics.
It is just like those ants that I stirred up and paid the price for becoming part of their world. I would have been far better off ignoring them and chasing butterflies. But I gave my attention to the wrong thing.

When we are told to “think about things” that are noble and true, pure and right, lovely etc. it is because that is what is best. We are stressing ourselves out because we are paying attention to the wrong things. God’s word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. It gives light to our soul. It leads us beside still waters and comforts us. These are the things we need to be concentrating on.

I do not think we need to be ignorant of things going on in our world, but posting, commenting and constantly talking about it is like stirring up an ant bed and sitting on it. It makes us miserable and drives friends and families away. And, like it or not, if we disagree with the person it does effect how we feel about them, even if for a short moment. Plus, it does not change one little thing in the world other than “getting it off our chest”

We need to choose to be happy. If we are going to be posting things that are going to change the world, then we need to be posting about Jesus and what He is doing for us.

Let’s all make a commitment to read God’s word and put Philippians 4:8 into practice. Let’s choose to be trustworthy, pure, lovely, commendable, and excellent.

~ Pastor Greg

The Lesson of the Raven and the Eagle

Posted on September 18, 2020 by Coach Muller

Photo Credit: Digital Grin Photography Forum

Have you ever let the “little things” in your life get you down, made you mad, or take the joy out of your life? If so, then today’s little story is just or you!!

The only bird that dares to peck and irritate an eagle is the raven. It will sit on the eagle’s back and start to continually bite its neck. However, the eagle does not respond, nor does it fight with the raven. It does not spend its time and energy on the raven…it just opens its wings and begins to fly and rise higher and higher into the heavens. The higher the eagle flies, the harder it is for the raven to breathe and soon, the raven falls off due to the lack of oxygen.

Stop wasting your time with the “ravens.” Just take them to your heights and they will fade away.

The enemy will sit behind your back and bite your neck, but those who wait upon the Lord will have new strength; they will lift their wings like eagles. (Isaiah 40:31)

Be strong and Courageous!

Wise Words of Wisdom: “Things I Have Learned”

Posted on June 2, 2020 by Coach Muller

Photo Credit: James Lee -BMO1SzQHWRs-unsplash

There is an old saying that says, “Blessed are those who find wisdom and who gain understanding.” Wisdom is a good thing and arguably, one of the most essential characteristics that a person can possess. A person that wants to be truly wise, needs to learn from their mistakes, try new things, listen to advice, take to heart what older people tell us, and by putting your knowledge to the test.

Today’s blog is unique. I asked people from all walks of life to share “What they have learned” during their life. The following “nuggets of truth” are a great compilation of knowledge and wisdom…just for you!!!

———————-

“My Grandma told me when I was 7 years old….”Don’t let nobody or nothing turn you into somebody you ain’t!” And… although it wasn’t until years later when I realized what she was saying, I now know how important that lesson is. If you could be successful following that one piece of advice, imagine how amazing life would be…And this from a woman who came to America from Lithuania at 6 years old with only 2 potatoes in her pocket….who only received a 6th grade education before working in a shirt factory.” ~ Matt S.

“I have learned to take a pause before saying what is on my mind. When I was younger, I would just open my mouth and just say whatever was on my mind. It was not always in my best interest. So, I have learned to use my filter.” ~ Kim R.H.

“The Dallas Cowboys suck.” ~ Luke K.

“Time goes entirely too fast. Make sure to take the time to enjoy the moments in your life. Especially those with your family and friends. Nobody says on their death bed – I wish I could do more work.” – Chris B.

“Have faith today because tomorrow is not a promise. Love your kids unconditionally.” ~ Sheila H.G.

“Try not to judge others by their worst moments, because if judged by the worst things we have said, thought, or done, none of us would fare well.” ~ Abram P.

“God is the only one who will be there — especially in desperate times. He is all sufficient.” ~ Nancy T. P.

“That Jesus is the way to the Father.” ~ Tammy K.I.

“That Christ died for my sins according to the scriptures, he was buried and rose again on the third day, according to the scriptures.” ~ Ruthie F.

“Get over it, let it go and move on.” ~ Mike W.

“People make mistakes. Love them and forgive the and pray they do the same for you.” ~ Heidi W.M.

“Only you can make yourself happy.” ~ Marcia Jones

“Focus on the goodness in people and more good will be revealed (Phil 4:8)” ~ Didi S.C.

‘Life has a purpose; the purpose is the Process; the Process is the Product.” ~ Clanton1934

“I learnt empathy. Empathy for people suffering from pain. I experienced pain and learnt to feel others pain ;-)” ~ Garfield Hug

“Listen! Yourself, nature, others…Listening should come before talking…” ~ Beth

“Most important: God loves me! Second most important: The only things I can control are my own behavior and attitude :)” ~ Lynn

“Choose your friends wisely so you don’t get lonely. That’s the most important thing in life.” ~ Adrian B.

“God is in control…most things are out of my control.” ~ Kerby

“God is good. Jesus loves me. His Word is true.” ~ VirtuousGirs

“You be you. Life is way too short to try to make others happy.” ~ Simplywendi

“Listen. When someone is speaking, let them finish. When impatient for something to happen, listen for God’s guidance and prompting. If it doesn’t happen right away, wait. Keep moving with life.” ~ ekurie

“As I get older, I don’t care about what other people think of me, it doesn’t affect my identity one bit! What a relief!” ~ cactusflower18

“Trust your gut. Of course, you have to recognize the feeling – the younger, the better.” ~ Vanessa Dawne

“Within love, all things exist.” ~ oldmainer

“Life is short! Live it truly!” ~ popsiclesociety

“I am a lot. I am definitely too much for some people. Those aren’t my people.” ~ Valerie S

“I’ve learned that calories actually do count!” ~ Nancy C.

“I am stronger than I think.” ~ Sharon A.

“And be kind before being correct.” ~ ekurie

“It is better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.” ~ Stacy K.

“It is ok to fail.” ~ Liz T.

“Make friends as a child, in your teens, in college – especially with the people you naturally seem to avoid. They end up being the most interesting and enjoyable people later in life.” ~ Barbara K.

“Nerds make the best spouses.” ~ Barbara K.

“Learning doesn’t stop after you graduate.” ~ Elizabeth C.

“Stop feeling bad for outgrowing people who had the chance to grow with you.” ~ Nancy C.L.

How I feel or act depends upon my relationship with Christ. ~ Nancy C.L.

“Being alone is a life skill.” ~ Jessica E.

“I’ve learned that those desolate valley times…take you to amazing mountain times.” ~ Michelle G.

“Let food be thy medicine!” ~ Jane P.

“To give selflessly.” ~ Jenn H.

“We judge ourselves by our intentions. Reality judges us by our behavior.” ~ Ryan R.

“If you can’t fool yourself, who can you fool?” ~ Jeff C.

“I am only responsible for how I act and feel towards others. I am not responsible for how they feel or act towards me.” ~ Nancy C.L.

“The more I learn, the less I realize I actually know.” ~ Tom K.

“If there is one thing that I have learned in my life is how much more important listening is than speaking. My father always said to me, “Why do you think God gave us two ears, but only one mouth?” ~ Sean C

“That needing to leave your high-paying professional job and getting a low wage service job changes stranger’s perception of who you are. That there really isn’t anything you can say to a grieving person to make them feel better. Your presence is the best thing you can offer.”

~ Cat9984

“Every day is precious. Therefore, life works best when I view my cup as always, half full, not half empty.” ~ bigskybuckeye

“Take more pictures…every day!” ~ Robin G.

———————–

What is something that YOU have learned during your life? If you have some words of wisdom, please leave them in the “Comment Section” below.

Have a GREAT day!!

Quarantine Reflections

Posted on May 18, 2020 by Coach Muller

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We all know how much impact the quarantine and all the time that we have spent “locked down” has had on us. Days seem to melt together, and, on occasions, time just seems to slow down.

I came across the following thoughts from a friend of mine. Some of them are funny and some will make you sit back and think. Whatever the case…enjoy.

***************

I hope they give us two weeks’ notice before sending us back out into the real world. I think we’ll all need the time to become ourselves again. And by “ourselves” I mean lose 10 pounds, cut our hair and get used to not drinking at 9:00 a.m.

New monthly budget: Gas: $0, Entertainment: $0, Clothes: $0, Groceries: $2,799.

Breaking News: Wearing a mask inside your home is now highly recommended. Not so much to stop COVID-19, but to stop eating.
Low maintenance chicks are having their moment right now. We don’t have nails to fill and paint, roots to dye, eyelashes to re-mink, and are thrilled not to have to get dressed every day. I have been training for this moment my entire life!

When this quarantine is over, let’s not tell some people.

I stepped on my scale this morning. It said: “Please practice social distancing. Only one person at a time on scale.”

Not to brag, but I haven’t been late to anything in over 6 weeks.

It may take a village to raise a child but I swear it is going to take a vineyard to home school one.

I wanted zombies and anarchy. Instead we got working from home and toilet paper shortages.
Worst. Apocalypse. Ever.

You know those car commercials where there’s only one vehicle on the road – doesn’t seem so unrealistic these days …

They can open things up next month, I’m staying in until July to see what happens to you all first.

Day 37: The garbage man placed an AA flyer on my recycling bin.

The spread of Covid-19 is based on two things:
1. How dense the population is.
2. How dense the population is.

Appropriate analogy: “The curve is flattening so we can start lifting restrictions now” In other words…”The parachute has slowed our rate of descent, so we can take it off now”.

People keep asking: “Is coronavirus REALLY all that serious?” Listen y’all, the churches and casinos are closed. When heaven and hell agree on the same thing it’s probably pretty serious.

Never in a million years could I have imagined I would go up to a bank teller wearing a mask and ask for money.

Home School Day 1: I’m trying to figure out how I can get this kid transferred out of my class.

Putting a drink in each room of my house today and calling it a pub crawl.

Okay, the schools are closed. So, do we drop the kids off at the teacher’s house or what?

For the second part of this quarantine do we have to stay with the same family, or will they relocate us? Asking for myself …

Coronavirus has turned us all into dogs. We wander around the house looking for food. We get told “No” if we get too close to strangers and we get really excited about going for walks and car rides.

The dumbest thing I’ve ever bought was a 2020 planner …

I was in a long line at 7:45 am today at the grocery store that opened at 8:00 for seniors only. A young man came from the parking lot and tried to cut in at the front of the line, but an old lady beat him back into the parking lot with her cane. He returned and tried to cut in again, but an old man punched him in the gut, then kicked him to the ground and rolled him away. As he approached the line for the 3rd time he said, “If you don’t let me unlock the door, you’ll never get in there.”

Enjoy your day…You don’t have anything else to do.

Finding Perspective In These Difficult Times

Posted on May 16, 2020 by Coach Muller

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The Corona Virus has brought the world to a virtual standstill. The things that people once enjoyed doing and the places they loved to travel has all come to an abrupt halt. The virus has affected the lifestyle of every individual and family. It’s a mess out there now. It can sometimes be hard to discern between what’s a real threat and what is just simple panic and hysteria.

Consider this; did any of us think, just a few short months ago, that we would all be required to wear masks, keep a six-foot distance between each other, be told not to touch, shake hands, or even hug each other for fear of spreading this dastardly virus? Did you ever fathom the thought that businesses, gyms, theaters, salons, eateries, and other establishments would be closed and millions upon millions would be out of work? And who ever heard of the term, “social distancing?”

The current environment has also affected people psychologically in various ways Some people have used the time of quarantine in positive ways: spending more quality with their families, spending more time in prayer and Scripture reading, enjoying the quietness of life. Unfortunately, this time has had the opposite effect on individuals: rise in depression, abuse and other negative effects. A current study showed that nearly half (45%) of adults in the United States reported that their mental health has been negatively impacted due to worry and stress over the virus.

Let’s put this whole period of time into perspective. So far, this pandemic has only been with us for about three months and, for some people, it seems like a lifetime. But let’s take a moment and put this into perspective.

Imagine for a moment, that you were born in the year 1900. (right around the time period that your grand, great-grand parents were born).

On your 14th birthday, World War I begins, then ends on your 18^th birthday four years later. 22 million people perish in that war.

Later in the year, a Spanish Flu epidemic hits the planet and runs until your 20th birthday. 50 million people die from it during those two years with 500 million people infected.

Yes, 50 million perished!

On your 29th birthday, the Great Depression begins. Unemployment hits 25%, the World GDP drops 27%. That runs until you are 33.

The country nearly collapses along with the world economy.

When you turn 39, World War II starts, and you aren’t even over the hill yet!

On your 41st birthday, the United States is fully pulled into WWII.

Between your 39th and 45th birthday, 75 million people perish in the war.

At 50, the Korean War starts. 5 million perish. At 55 the Vietnam War begins and doesn’t end for 20 years. 4 million people perish in that conflict.

On your 62nd birthday you have the Cuban Missile Crisis, a tipping point in the Cold War. Life on our planet, as we know it, should have ended. Great leaders prevented that from happening.

When you turn 75, the Vietnam War finally ends.

Think of everyone on the planet born in 1900. How did they survive all of that?

Think about all of those things that you would have experienced in your lifetime. When your grandparents speak about, “when times were hard,” now you have an idea what life was like from their perspective!

Yet they survived through everything listed above.

What we are experiencing right now has been for a FEW MONTHS.

Perspective is an amazing art. We become refined, wiser, and more enlightened as time marches on. Let’s try and keep things in perspective and remember, the God, the maker of the heavens and the earth knows exactly what is going on in the world around us. We don’t need to fear the unknown for He will take care of us. He will keep us safe, free from harm, and watch over us every day!

“The Lord will keep you from all harm. He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” ~ Psalm 212:7-8

I Need Your Help!

Posted on May 4, 2020 by Coach Muller

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I am getting ready to write another blog called, “THINGS I HAVE LEARNED.” So…I am asking your help…please share with me, in one or two sentences, “What is something that you have learned during your life? (that you would like to share with others / give them advice for with life). I will just post your first name and last initial…if you would rather me not post your name, please LMK. Thanks!

Please leave your thoughts / “nuggets of truth” in the Comment section below 🙂