Many of the readers of this warm thoughts column are aware that I write these lines a week before you have the opportunity to read the column. When you read this column, I will have returned from the International Congress on the Family, which was held on July 5th - 9th in Denver, Colorado. So stay tuned to this column as I will share with you my personal experiences and thoughts from this Congress.
Episode 226: Flying a Kite →
June, the month for Children's Day, Father's Day, Flag Day, a month for birthdays, wedding anniversaries, bridal showers, weddings, graduations, family reunions and the celebration of family. I find it very interesting that Children's Day and Flag Day fall on the same day and Father's Day and the first day of summer are also on the same day this year.
Episode 224: Dear Maxine →
As we reflect on the past century, it is interesting that it is the 100th anniversary of the Nobel Peace Prize. We even have a stamp to remind us about this anniversary. Mother Teresa was one of the recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize. When she was asked, "How can we bring peace to the world?" She answered, "Just go home and love your family."
Episode 222: What Makes a Happy Family? →
Easter joy! May all of you who read this column have a joyous Easter season. The day of Easter 1993 may be history, but the joy of that first Easter and the joy of every Easter sunrise service and every Easter celebration since that first Easter will live on and on. In my last column I shared some warm thoughts about Bethlehem and the plight to the Holy Land. If it were not for Easter, the season of Christmas would not be a celebration. Easter is truly a celebration of life.
Episode 205: 10 Tips for Educational Success →
Every parent has a dream that their child will succeed in school. And the question they may ask is, "How can I help my children succeed in getting a great education?" As a mother and grandmother, this has been a real concern for me. I found it very interesting to learn about research that Judith Ann Hillard did for her doctorate. Her research is based on a sampling of more than 1,800 students. I believe you will appreciate the following 10 tips Judith found, which are backed up by statistics and her research.
Episode 186: Children Learn What They Live →
The second Sunday in June is "Children's Day." The following Sunday, we celebrate Father's Day. A great deal of concern has been focused on our children as the dawn of a new century is fast approaching. Children who have graduated this last year in the 20th century are told that they will be shaping the next century. What a challenge for our children and grandchildren!
Episode 171: Listening to the Children →
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 168: We Are Never Too Old →
In last week's warm thoughts column we shared thoughts on the importance of listening to the children. I never cease to be amazed at the words of wisdom children can give you when you really listen to them. My experience throughout the years has also been that one can gain wisdom and understanding when we really listened to the older generation. Their wealth of experiences are a treasure and need to be shared.
Episode 166: Children - Our Master Teachers →
Throughout the years, I have been aware of how much one can learn in our lifelong learning process when we listen to the children. Albert Einstein once stated, "Pay close attention to the curiosities of a child. This is where the search for knowledge is the freshest and most valuable."
Episode 150: Grandparent Hugs →
Every year at this time I am reminded by letters I received about International Hug Day. This year, it is September 17th. It is rather interesting that it is a week later than Grandparents Day. The National Grandparents Day is the second Sunday in September every year.
Episode 148: Advice for Parents →
A high school teacher in Houston asked her students, "What advice would you give your mom and dad?" She surveyed 300 teenagers. Those who responded represent a healthy cross section of ethnic groups, ages, academic achievements, and home/life environments.
Episode 137: Like Flying a Kite →
June. The month for Children's Day, Father's Day, Flag day. A month for birthdays, wedding anniversaries, bridal showers, weddings, graduations, family reunions and the celebration of family. I find it very interesting that Children's Day and Flag Day fall on the same day and Father's Day and the first day of summer are also on the same day this year.
Episode 136: Our Lady of Freedom →
When you read this last column for the month of May, many thoughts come to mind about Memorial Day. As we reflect on the many Memorial days of the past, we experience many warm thoughts on peace and about our land of freedom. In this week's column, I will share a poem sent to me by a lady in her 80s. She is a very special friend who has been a real inspiration to me, especially during the last several weeks. She is a distinguished member of the International Society of Poetry, and her poetry will be featured in the "Best Poems of the 90s," a publication of the National Library of Poetry. And most recently, she was inducted into the Eastern Kentucky University's Hall of Distinguished Alumni.
Episode 101: Time Together →
Where has the month of July gone?
When many of you read these warm thoughts, there will only be three precious days left in the month. Does time really fly faster when one gets a year older? I am reminded of the words I overheard while sitting in church one Sunday morning, and listening to voices around me, before the service. "Every day is the day to celebrate," I heard it said. I realized how true those words of wisdom really mean to me as I celebrate life each day. Jonathan Swift has said as well, "May you live all the days of your life." This plaque is high on the kitchen range this summer, and is a reminder to live and enjoy each day of your life. July is a month when many families celebrate, beginning with Independence Day and family reunions. Have you ever thought of celebrating Christmas in July? Our family has found it a most convenient time to celebrate Christmas with all the family Christmas traditions. Perhaps this is nontraditional, but we managed to celebrate everything that has happened during the past year. This includes those who have birthdays, anniversaries, and additions to the family. We recognize achievements and graduations and each member of the family is so special. Traditional holiday and birthday gifts and treats are given to the loved ones, good food, good memories, all go together. It is probably the mother of all celebrations.
Episode 94: When I Am Old →
Since it is Older Americans Month, I had planned to repeat a favorite column including thoughts by a grandchild, until the following poem crossed my desk. The author is unknown. Whoever wrote it must have had a sense of humor and hoped their adult children would appreciate their literary skills.
Episode 70: Skipping Kindergarten →
Now that you know about that humor box that needs a filing system, you may just be a little curious what gems of thought are in that box. I have always been blessed whenever I listen to the children. Consequently, I file away their thoughts in my treasure thoughts, along with that bit of humor that adds zest in my day.
I remember reading this poem, years ago.
Between the dark, and the daylight. When the night is beginning to lower, come the pause and the day's occupation. That is known as the children's hour. Amazing as it may seem, some of the greatest creative thoughts come to the children in the evening hour, and we may think that we are too tired.
Episode 45: Parents Learning from Children →
Recently, I read an article based on research conducted by a high school teacher in Houston, Texas, who has surveyed more than 300 teenagers and two school districts asking for their comments on these two questions. One, what advice would you give to your mom and dad? To? What do you believe it takes to produce respectful and respectable teenagers. The teenagers ranged in age from 14 to 18 years of age, providing responses such as these.