In recent Warm Thoughts columns you've read about the joy one receives when you really listen to the children. Their words of wisdom not only surprise us, but their thoughts jog our minds to higher levels of understanding, for they are our master teachers. I was so pleased to learn that our governor signed a proclamation encouraging us to find a child to read to on March 2nd. This date is "America's Read to Kids Day." It is hoped that all states will become aware of how important it is to read to the children. This is a nationwide campaign to encourage reading.
Episode 164: The Christmas Spirit, All Year Long →
Christmas brings us many memories. For me, Christmas is a season that is very dear to my heart. I want to live in the Christmas spirit all year long! Is it any wonder when you come to that little home on the prairie that you may get a cup of Christmas tea and a warm welcome? The end of another year is approaching very rapidly. It is hard to believe that 1996 will soon be history.
Episode 163: Peace, Sweet Peace →
Recently I heard Terry Anderson speak at the University of South Dakota. Some of the readers of this column will remember the day he was released from the gloom of a Beirut prison four years ago on December 4th, 1991. Terry Anderson had been with the Associated Press in Lebanon when he was kidnapped and taken captive for seven years, or 2,454 days. He was chained to a wall in prison and lived at the uncertain mercy of his captors.
Episode 162: Relaxing with a Good Book →
During the Thanksgiving and Christmas season, many people travel by air and land to visit family. It is a busy time, and often the stress and strain from travel and the social events can cause us to feel overtired. It becomes apparent that we need to focus on the reason for the season. In my travels throughout the years, I have noticed people relaxing while reading a book. It is one of the ways of finding quiet moments of relaxation. I usually travel with books and find moments to have some quiet thoughts from the heart.
Episode 159: The Letter You Did Not Write →
The holidays are approaching so fast. Already, I am receiving those holiday letters as I have a few friends who write their holiday letter about family in October. It seems that many people in this high-tech age no longer write those personal letters.
Episode 155: Cultivating a Positive Attitude →
It is very interesting to know that in a recent survey that was taken, 75% of the people believe that a positive mental attitude can snap one out of depression. Throughout the ages, great men have shared with us some very good words of wisdom and positive thoughts. And so this week, I have selected some of those thoughts for this column.
Episode 114: Planting Seeds of Hope →
Every year on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, Bible Sunday is observed. The theme for this year is "planting seeds of hope." As one research is survival on words of hope, there are many Bible promises on hope. Recently, pollster George Gallup Jr. speaking to a group of international reporters said, people in many nations appear to be searching with the new intensity for spiritual warnings. One of the key factors prompting this search is certainly a need for hope in these troubled times.
Episode 87: The Wise Farmer's Computer Guide →
On a recent flight to Texas, I was seated near a retired pilot, and also near a very verbal young mother who's sister will be on that space flight going up on July 9th at 3am. Her sister is making this flight with the First Woman Commander. The retired pilot told me about his mother, who is now in her 90s. I shared the column on Live, Learn, and Tell, where I challenged you my readers to finish the thoughts on...at age 90. This loving son finished the thought, so here it is. "At age 90 I survived at all, but I forgot what it was." Thanks Lenny!
Episode 77: A Church on Fire →
In last week's column I shared with you many warm thoughts on accepting challenges in life, with a heart filled with thanks. Each day brings us new challenges and changes in our lives. And sometimes it seems unbelievable in our way of thinking about challenges.
Episode 76: Giving Many Thanks →
Thanksgiving Day is a very special holiday for many families. Family traditions are often carried out on this day in many homes. It is also a good time to remember what we often forget - to say that we are grateful to be together. And to acknowledge with thanks, each other. It is a time to thank the people who have made a difference in our lives. Many warm thoughts come to mind. Recently I read some thoughts by Albert Schweitzer, a pioneer African missionary, and I would like to share his thoughts on thankfulness.
Episode 75: Remembrance from the Heart →
Every Veterans Day brings to mind many memories. It is also known as Armistice Day, and in some locales, it is Remembrance Day, Victory Day, and World War One Memorial Day. Some places observe silent memorials at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month each year. It is a time of remembrance from the heart to all who stood tall for freedom. These thoughts by an unknown author, say it very well.
Episode 74: America's Hope for the Future →
November. We are thankful as we complete the gathering in of ripened crops that mature under the autumn skies. In November we honor our veterans who fought so that we stand free. We give thanks for our freedom of worship set in the beginnings of the pilgrims' landing, and the signing of our Declaration of Independence. It is the month when Abraham Lincoln delivered his Gettysburg Address November 16th 1863, that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom. So that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth. J. Edgar Hoover wrote an essay about the hope for America's future.
Episode 73: Learning from the Cows →
The author who wrote the book, "All I ever Learned I Learned in Kindergarten," could not have meant it for the generation who were born before kindergarten began. Since I never attended kindergarten, I find special joy and listening to granddaughter Trina telling me what she is learning in her kindergarten class. She is learning some new songs I've never heard before, among other things that I do not know. How exciting it must be to go to kindergarten! I was amused the other day when I read an essay written by an unknown author entitled, "All I Need to Know About Life, I Learned From a Cow."
Episode 72: Mothers & Daughters →
It is always a joy to have that extra hour in your life in the fall of the year when the time changes. Change. Yes. Change is a way of life. The month of October makes us really aware of the joys we experienced when seasons change in some parts of the world.
Episode 71: Little Acts of Kindness →
It is such a joy to receive letters from the readers of this warm thoughts column. Your comments are always greatly appreciated. I have learned that there are many who appreciate the art of poetry and essays. Recently, the following poetry thoughts came across my desk. I am not sure who wrote them, but they brought encouragement to my friend who shared these thoughts.
Episode 68: The Gift of Grandmothers →
Recently, at a mother daughter banquet, I was asked to read an essay written by an eight year old daughter. Laughter filled the room, and I was not so sure if the group was laughing at me, or the essay that I was reading. Since National Grandparents Day for this year is another memory, I thought I'd share the essay with you, my dear readers of the Warm Thoughts column. The young unknown author shares thoughts on what is a grandma. I will share thoughts from the essay.
Episode 67: A Mouse in the House →
"Grandma, I want to go to the farm!" This had been an earnest plea of my two year old granddaughter, each time I would visit her in her home in Vermillion. So this past weekend, it was her special time to spend at the farm and I was getting myself ready for sharpening my communication - listening skills. With great anticipation, Trina looked forward to her retreat on the farm. As we traveled along by highway, she often asked, "When will we be there?"
Episode 66: Poets of the World →
I began writing this column as I was flying 35,000 feet in the air, on my way to a symposium and convention in Washington DC. It was my very first trip to the nation's capitol. And I remember long ago reading how to reach Washington DC. I read that one was to go to Harvard first, and then turn left. And here I was flying by air to my destination and hearing those famous words, "Fasten your seat belts!" Yes. The weather was very warm there until on Sunday afternoon when I was to return home, that showers of rain fell upon the city. It was also a great joy to be able to meet with extended family at the Crystal Cafe near the airport, and share with them the exciting days at the Washington Hilton, where the symposium and convention was held.
Episode 51: We Love Our Volunteers →
As I write this column, it still feels like a wintry day across the prairie land. We are still awaiting Spring Fling days and planting those trees on Arbor Day. Last week, April, 18th - 24th marked National Volunteer Week, and we thank all those volunteers who give of themselves and volunteer their services. The national average is that volunteers give over four hours a week of their time to volunteerism. And many of these volunteers say that they receive more than they can ever give, we pay tribute to the many volunteers who are willing to serve so unselfishly for their church community and country. You deserve our thanks. Cheers!
Last week, National Library week was also celebrated. We are encouraged to read more to keep our minds real active for teenagers and grandparents who may not be able to jog with the younger generation, they can still jog their minds. Reading to someone you love is an encouragement for those grandchildren to find joy and relaxation through the gift of reading books.