When you read this column, it will be only a few days before Flag Day. I have often wondered if "Old Glory" could tell her story, just what she might tell us. Recently, I read some warm thoughts, which I'd like to share with you, my dear readers of this column. "Some people call me 'Old Glory.' Others refer to me as the 'Star Spangled Banner,' or the 'Stars and stripes.' But whatever they call me, I am your flag. I remember some time ago, people lined up on both sides of the street to watch a parade, and naturally, I was leading every parade proudly waving in the breeze. What happened? I am still the same old flag, but now I don't feel as proud as I used to be when I come down your street. You just stand there with your hands in your pockets. Then I see the children running around and shouting, is it a sin to be patriotic anymore? Have people forgotten what I stand for and where I've been?"
Episode 196: Our Duty to Serve & Give →
One of the most faithful readers of this warm thoughts column has sent his significant insights from the book entitled, "Never Give In." This book was written by Stephen Mansfield and is about the extraordinary character of Winston Churchill. In a recent issue of the US News and World Report, it asked about heroes and the magazine shares the lives of 20 men and women who risked it all to make a difference. Winston Churchill was truly one of the heroes of England, although he was hated and rejected in various ways.
Episode 165: Today is Life →
Happy New Year! This is the first column for the new year. Perhaps you have already been asked, "Have you made your New Year's resolutions already?" For me, it almost seems like a dream that 1997 is here already. As my thoughts on this new year is before us, I am reminded of the motivational plaque which declares, "Yesterday is but a dream. Tomorrow is a vision of hope. Look to this day, for it is life." Let's celebrate life!
Episode 123: Who is Your Hero President? →
Presidents Day is Monday, February 19th. We now celebrate all former presidents. We originally honored only George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, both of whom had birthdays during the month of February - February 22nd and 12th, respectively. George Washington was the first and only president to be elected unanimously by the Electoral College. He received all 69 of the votes. He was the first president with false teeth and the first to appear on a postage stamp. He was our country's first president and was known as a father of our country. Abraham Lincoln was the first Republican President and the first president to be assassinated. He was the first to support women's right to vote. There are for US state capitals that are named after presidents. The presidents who have state capitols named after them are Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Jackson, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison.
Episode 86: Time is a Treasure →
March. Is it really here already? Where does the time go? March is a month during which the season of spring is welcomed after the long winter. Recently I read some thoughts on time and what a precious gift, time is. Time is a treasure. Each day is precious with 24 hours to use as I choose, and to spend at my own discretion. Time is life's greatest asset, a generous gift from the Creator, yet not one hour may be stored for the future. And our affluent society, no one can beg, borrow or buy an additional day. Even the most fabulous fortune cannot purchase the fleeting moments, or call them back once they are gone. Time waits for no one. It travels swiftly and in silence linked with the rising and setting sun. Like a vapor, it is here one moment, and gone the next. Days disappearing so quickly that we sometimes stand in utter amazement and ask, "Where has the time gone?" If challenges have been met with courage, tasks accomplished to the best of our ability, and warm meaningful relationships made along the way, then we may say with certainty that this day has been lived to the fullest.