Love and Time

Posted on March 11, 2020 by Coach Muller

Photo Credit: Martin Widenka via Unsplash

How valuable is your time and how much of it do you REALLY use to show your love towards others?

The following little story puts the importance of our time, love, and other unseen attributes of our life in perspective.

Once upon a time, there was an island where all the feelings lived: Happiness, Sadness, Knowledge, and all the others including Love.

One day it was announced to the feelings that the island would sink, so they all constructed boats and left…except for Love.

Love was the only one who stayed. Love wanted to hold out until the last possible moment. When the island had almost sunk, Love decided to ask for help.

Richness was passing by Love in a grand boat. Love said, “Richness, can you take me with you?” Richness answered, “No, I can’t. There is a lot of gold and silver in my boat. There is no place for you.

Love decided to ask Vanity who was also passing by in a beautiful vessel. “Vanity, please help me!” “I can’t help you Love. You are all wet and might damage my boat,” Vanity answered.

Sadness was close by so Love asked, “Sadness, let me go with you.” “oh…Love, I am so sad that I need to be by myself.”

Happiness passed by Love, too, but she was so happy that she didn’t even hear when Love called her.

Suddenly, there was a voice, “Come, Love, I will take you.” It was an elder. So blessed and overjoyed, Love even forgot to ask the elder where they were going. When they arrived at dry land, the elder went on her own way. Realizing how much she owed the elder, Love asked Knowledge, another elder, “Who helped me?” “It was Time,” Knowledge answered. “Time?” asked Love. “But why did Time help me?”

Knowledge smiled with deep wisdom and answered, “Because only Time is capable of understanding how valuable Love truly is.”

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Go out and spend time with the people who are special to you and show them LOVE.

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Story Courtesy of Silent Child / Tumblir

The Art of Parenting

Posted on February 28, 2020 by Coach Muller

nathan-anderson-FHiJWoBodrs-unsplash A teenage boy had just passed his driving test and inquired of his father as to when they could discuss his use of the family car.

His father said that he would make a deal with his son, “You bring your grades up from a “C” to a “B” average, study your Bible a little, and get your haircut…then we will talk about the car.”

the boy thought about that for a moment, decided that he would settle for the offer, and they agreed on it. After about six months his father said, “Son, you have brought your grades up and I have observed that you have been studying your Bible, but I am disappointed that you haven’t had your hair cut.”

The boy sais, “You know, Dad, I have been thinking about that, and I have noticed in my studies of the Bible that Samson had long hair, John the Baptist had long hair, Moses had long hair, and there is even strong evidence that Jesus had long hair.”

(You’re going to love the dad’s reply!)

“Did you also notice they all walked everywhere they went?”

Ahhh…..the art of parenting!!

I Will Be Here

Posted on February 6, 2020 by Coach Muller

Photo by Keegan Houser on Pexels.com

Occasionally, I come across a poem or the words to a song, that is very calming and reassuring. Today, I am going to share the lyrics to a song written by Steven Curtis Chapman, “I Will Be Here.” You can interpret them as either coming from a friend’s point of view or from God’s but either way, I hope that you find this comforting.

“I Will Be Here”

Tomorrow morning if you wake

Up and the sun does not appear

I will be here

If in the dark, we lose sight of love

Hold my hand and have no fear

‘Cause I will be here

I will be here

When you feel like being quiet

When you need to speak your mind

I will listen

And I will be here

When the laughter turns to cryin’

Through the winning and the losing and trying

We’ll be together

I will be there

Tomorrow morning if you wake up

And the future is unclear

I will be here

Just as sure as the seasons were made for change

Our lifetimes were made for these years

So I will be there

I will be here

And you can cry on my shoulder

When the mirror tells us we’re older

I will hold you

And I will be here

To watch you grow in beauty

And tell you all the things you are to me

I will be there

I will be true to the promise I have made

To you and the One who gave you to me

Tomorrow morning, if you wake up

And the sun does not appear

I will be here

Oh, I will be here

Unconditional Friendship

Posted on January 12, 2020 by Coach Muller

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

There is nothing more special and meaningful in a person’s life to have that one or two special friends that you hold the closest and dearest to your heart. It was once said that truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget. It is so true! True and genuine friendship is one that will last a lifetime.

The following story illustrates this level of friendship in a beautiful way…

There were two childhood buddies who went through kindergarten and all the way to college together. When war broke, they joined the army together and asked to be assigned to the same unit. One night while out on patrol, they were ambushed. Bullets were flying everywhere.

Out of the darkness came a voice, “Harry, help me. Please, Harry, help me.” Harry immediately recognized the voice of his childhood buddy, Bill. Harry asked the Captain for permission to go out and help his buddy.

The Captain said, “No, I can’t let you go. I am already short-handed, and I cannot afford to lose one more person. Besides, the way Bill sounds he is not going to make it.”

Harry kept quiet, but again Bill’s voice was heard in the darkness, “Harry, please come. Please, Harry, come help me.” Harry sat quietly because the Captain had ordered him to. Again, and again Bill’s voice was heard on the battlefield.

Harry couldn’t contain himself any longer and ran over to the Captain, “Captain, that’s my childhood buddy. I have to go and help.” The Captain reluctantly agreed and let Harry go. Harry crawled through the darkness, reached Bill and dragged Bill back into their camp.

When they arrived back at the camp Bill was dead. Now the Captain was furious and shouted, “Didn’t I tell you he was not going to make it? He is dead. You could have been killed and I could have lost a hand. It was a mistake for you to go out there.”

Harry replied, “No Captain, I did the right thing. When I reached Bill, he was still alive and his last words to me were ‘Harry, I knew you would come.'”

Absolute…unconditional friendship!

Burnt Biscuits

Posted on January 5, 2020 by Coach Muller

Photo by Jodie Morgan on Unsplash

Unconditional kindness and compassion for others should be our core focus every day of our lives. I recently came across the following story, written by an unknown author, which illustrates this lesson…one that we all should remember to do each day.

When I was a kid, my Mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now and then. I remember one night when she made breakfast after a long, hard day at work. On that evening so long ago, my Mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage, and a batch of extremely burnt biscuits on the table in front of my dad. I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed.

All my dad did was reach for his biscuit, smile at my Mom and ask me how my day at school has been. I don’t remember what I told him that night, but I do remember watching him smear butter and jelly on that ugly burned biscuit. He ate every bite of that thing…he never made a face nor uttered a word about it!

When I got up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my Mom apologize to my dad for burning the biscuits…and I will never forget what he said, “Honey, I love burned biscuits every now and then.”

Later that night, I went to say good night to my daddy, and I asked him if he REALLY liked his biscuits burnt. He wrapped me up in his arms and said lovingly, “Your Mom put in a hard day at work today and she is really tired…and besides, a little burnt biscuit never hurt anyone!”

As I have grown older, I’ve thought about that many times. Life is full of imperfect things and imperfect people. I’m not the best at hardly anything, and I forget birthdays and anniversaries just like anyone else. But what I have learned over the years is that learning to accept each other’s faults and choosing to celebrate each other’s differences is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting relationship.

And that’s my prayer for you today…that you will learn to take the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of your life and lay them at the feet of God. Because in the end, He’s the only One who will be able to give you a relationship where a burnt biscuit isn’t a deal-breaker!

We could extend this philosophy to any relationship. In fact, UNDERSTANDING is the base of any relationship, be it a husband-wife, parent-child, or friendship!

“Don’t put the key to your happiness in someone else’s pocket…keep it in your own.” So, please pass me a biscuit, and yes, the burned one will do just fine 😊

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Life without God is like an unsharpened pencil…it has no point.

The Last King

Posted on December 31, 2019 by Coach Muller

Photo by Inactive. on Pexels.com

Resentment. Anger. Bitterness. Animosity. These are some words that have described the attributes that some individuals have allowed to grab hold of their hearts. In turn, this poison has led to a breakdown in their friendships, relationships, and interactions with others.

Leon Brown once said, “Bitterness is a result of clinging to negative experiences. It serves you no good and closes the doors to your future.” It has also been said that holding onto bitterness is like holding onto an anchor and jumping into the sea. If you don’t let go, you will drown. Anger and resentment are heavy…we must learn to let them go and forgive.

Today’s little story is a great example of these thoughts….

The Last King

There was once a king and he was the last king of a country. He had ten wild dogs and, unfortunately, used them to devour any of his servants that made a mistake or did him wrong.

One day, one of the servants shared his opinion to the king which the king didn’t like it at all. Seething with anger, the king ordered that his servant should be thrown to the dogs.

Begging for his life and trembling with fear, the servant asked,” Why are you going to do this to me? I served you for ten years and was loyal and faithful to you. Please give me ten days before you throw me to the dogs. “The king pondered the servant’s pleas then decided to grant them.

During the next ten days, the servant went to the guard who took care of the dogs and told him that he would like to serve dogs for the next ten days. The Guard was baffled, but he agreed. The servant was dedicated to the feeding of dogs, cleaning, washing, and caring for them while showing them all kinds of love and comfort.

When the ten days had ended, the king ordered the servant to be thrown to the dogs for his punishment. The dogs were released and to everyone surprise, the voracious dogs began licking the servant’s feet!

The King, bewildered by what he was seeing, asked,” What is this? What has happened to my dogs?”

The servant replied,” I took care of the dogs for only short ten days and they did not forget my services. However, I served you for ten long years, my king, and you forgot my dedication and devotion after one misspoken word,”

The King realized his mistake and humbly ordered the servant to be released.”

This story is a great reminder to all of us who tend to forget the good things people do for us as soon as the person has said or has done something wrong. We should remember not to get angry, give up and forget all the nice, caring and thoughtful actions of a friend…sometimes established over a long period of time… just because of one misstep that may have hurt you. Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is an attribute of the strong.”

So true my friends!

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“As I walked Out the door that would lead me to my freedom, I knew that I didn’t leave my hatred and bitterness behind…I would still be in prison.” ~ Nelson Mandela

Spending Christmas With Jesus This Year

Posted on December 24, 2019 by Coach Muller

a city built between the mountain and the sea

Photo by Luke Barkhuizen on Pexels.com

The Christmas and Holiday season is one of the most beautiful and exciting times of the year for millions of people around the world. The celebrations, music, parades, and all of the other thrilling festivities are some of the things that make the season so beautiful and heartwarming.

Unfortunately, for an untold number of other people, this time of year can be very sad, miserable, or depressing. The loss of a friend or loved one, or the remembrances of times and people in the past can make this time of year downright depressing. I lost both of my parents during the Thanksgiving/Christmas holiday season…my dad, two weeks before Christmas, and my mom, seven days before Christmas. It seems funny to me how every year, a few weeks before the holiday season, I subconsciously begin to become sad and nostalgic about my parents.

So, it goes without saying, that I recently came across the following poem on a friend’s post called, “I’m Spending Christmas With Jesus Christ This Christmas” (written by Wanda Bencke) that I thought was a unique perspective of someone who has left this earth and is now in heaven with God. The following rhyme is a wonderful and touching piece of writing that I hope with help uplift your heart and touch your soul!

“I’m Spending Christmas With Jesus Christ This Year”

I see the countless Christmas trees,

Around the world below.

With tiny lights, like heaven’s stars,

Reflecting in the snow.

The sight is so spectacular,

Please wipe away that tear.

For I’m spending Christmas,

With Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs,

That people hold so dear.

But the sounds of music can’t compare,

With the Christmas choir up here.

For I have no words to tell you,

The joy their voices bring.

For it is beyond description,

To hear the angels sing.

I can’t tell you of the splendor,

Or the peace here in this place,

Can you just imagine Christmas,

With Jesus, face to face?

I’ll ask Him to light your spirit,

As I tell Him of your love.

So then pray one for another,

As I lift you eyes above.

Please let your hearts be joyful,

And let your spirits sing.

For I’m spending Christmas in Heaven,

And I am walking with the King!

What is a REAL Friend?

Posted on November 28, 2019 by Coach Muller

Photo by fauxels on Pexels.com

A simple friend, when visiting, acts like a guest.

A real friend opens your refrigerator and helps himself.

A simple friend has never seen you cry.

A real friend has shoulders soggy from your tears.

A simple friend doesn’t know your parents’ first names.

A real friend has their phone numbers in his address book.

A simple friend brings a bottle of wine to your party.

A real friend comes early to help you cook and stays late to help you clean.

A simple friend hates it when you call after he has gone to bed.

A real friend asks you why you took so long to call.

A simple friend seeks to talk with you about your problems.

A real friend seeks to help you with your problems.

A simple friend wonders about your romantic history.

A real friend could blackmail you with it.

A simple friend thinks the friendship is over when you have an argument.

A real friend calls you after you had a fight.

A simple friend expects you to always be there for them.

A real friend expects to always be there for you!

Unconditional Friendship

Posted on November 17, 2019 by Coach Muller

Photo by Michael Mims on Pexels.com

The following story illustrates this level of friendship in a beautiful way…

The Captain said, “No, I can’t let you go. I am already short-handed, and I cannot afford to lose one more person. Besides, the way Bill sounds he is not going to make it.”

Harry replied, “No Captain, I did the right thing. When I reached Bill, he was still alive and his last words to me were ‘Harry, I knew you would come.'”

Absolute…unconditional friendship!

Know the Value of Your Life

Posted on November 9, 2019 by Coach Muller

selective focus photography of person wearing round brown analog watch

Photo by Mudassir Ali on Pexels.com

Your life is precious. Your life is valuable. Your life is priceless. Your life has worth. There are times in everyone’s life that we tend to question the value of our lives. Sometimes it is a result of the kind of people that we spend our time with during our working day or our free time. There are occasions when some people feel depressed unhappy with themselves because of a situation that they are in.

How can we remember how to keep the value of our lives in perspective? Perhaps the following little story will help strengthen the belief and confidence that you may have in yourself and the value of your life.

There was once a father who became very ill and just before he died, he took out an old watch and said to his son, “This is a watch that your grandfather gave me, and it is more than 200 years old. But before I give it to you, go to the watch shop on the first street and tell him that you want to sell it, and see how much he offers you.”

The son left then soon came back to his father and said, “The watchmaker offered five dollars because, he said, it was too old.”

The father then said to his son, “Go to the coffee shop and see what they say.”

Again, the boy went out and soon returned. He said to his dad, “They offered me five dollars for the watch as well.”

Finally, the father said, “Go to the museum and show them the watch.”

A short while later, the boy excitedly reported to his father, “They offered me a million dollars for this piece!”

The dying patriarch said to his son, “I wanted to let you know that the right place values you in the right way.”

Don’t find yourself in the wrong place and get angry if you are not valued.

Those that know your value are those who appreciate you,..don’t stay in a place where nobody sees your value.”

Know your worth.

Not Your Cup of Tea

Posted on November 3, 2019 by Coach Muller

Photo by freestocks.org on Pexels.com

The world is filled with people who, no matter what you do, no matter what you try, will simply not like you. But the world is also filled with those individuals who will love and care for you deeply. These people, the ones who love you: THEY are your people.

Don’t waste your finite time here on earth and trouble your heart trying to convince the people who aren’t the people that you love and value. They will miss it completely. They won’t buy what you are selling. Don’t try to persuade them to walk your path with you because you will only waste your time and your emotional good health. You are not for them and they are not for you. You are not their cup of tea and they are not yours.

Politely wave them along as you go your way as well. Seek to share your path with those who recognize and appreciate your gifts and talents…the things that make up what you are.

Be who you are.

Remember, you are not everyone’s cup of tea…and that is that.

Author: Unknown

The Most Important Things to Teach Our Children

Posted on October 27, 2019 by Coach Muller

Photo by Ana Francisconi on Pexels.com

In today’s world, there is an incredible amount of stress and pressure put onto children in a variety of ways. Some parents have an unhealthy and obsessive desire to see their son or daughter be the top player on a sports team or athletic activity, be the smartest kid in their class, or be the most handsome or beautiful individual in all the land. There are parents that put an unbelievable burden on their children to achieve high levels of excellence…sometimes unattainable.

There is nothing wrong for parents to want the best for their kids but perhaps we should all teach our children things that will allow them to be successful and contribute their talents and gifts in other ways. The following little ditty is a great reminder for us to teach our children the most important things in life.

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Don’t become preoccupied with your child’s academic ability

but instead…

Teach them to sit with those sitting alone

Teach them to be kind

Teach them to offer their help

Teach them to be a friend to the lonely

Teach them to encourage others

Teach them to share

Teach them to look for the good in people

This is how they will change the world

@darcysmoments