The world watched the passing of the torch for the Olympic Games. Whether one has the dream of carrying that torch or winning a gold medal, we all have some dreams and goals in our lives. Recently, I read an article by a noted doctor stating that everyone has dreams. What is your dream of dreams? The following thoughts by Amanda Bradley have blessed the lives of many people. I have often used it when closing a speech or at the end of a seminar or workshop. I would like to share it with all my special readers of this column.
Episode 178: Nebraska Sunsets →
One morning from my hospital bed, I could see the sun rising above the South Dakota plains. What a beautiful sight. As a child, I grew up on the Nebraska plains. When I would herd the cattle along the countryside, I dreamed of being a writer and began writing poetic lines. When I was old enough to read the Columbus Telegram, I would read Edgar Howard's editorials. I will never forget his last editorial, for after that he laid down his pen. The editorial was about a Nebraska sunset and I would like to share with you these cherished words.
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 104: Always Have a Dream →
The Centennial 1996 Olympic Games are now history. The world watched these games with great interest. Children and adults of all ages were inspired and perhaps have dreams of being an athlete in the Olympic Games someday. Throughout the country, many schools have already opened their doors of learning. Many students also have goals and dreams in the academic world. I have many memories of attending classes in a one room country school house, and the real life struggles for even a high school education.
Episode 89: Heartland Surprises →
Throughout the years, the last week of March has brought to the heartland some surprises weather wise. This year, 1995 was no exception. Rain, blowing winds, and blankets of snow covered many areas of the heartland country. It was two years ago, the last Sunday afternoon in March that I wrote my first Warm Thoughts column. Early that morning flakes of snow covered the roads and prairie country. As a descendant of pioneers, I never dreamed the church would be canceled that morning, but I was mistaken, and appeared in church, as the lone parishioner. A first experience in my life. That afternoon in the solitude of that little home on the prairie, and over a cup of tea, I wrote my first Warm Thoughts column. Yes, I feel like celebrating, as I now share with you a few thoughts from that column. As I write these lines, I am also listening to my grandchildren who are here on their spring retreat from their studies in Colorado. In that first column, I stress how important it is to listen to the children. Reading to the children, and listening to them, can teach us many things. We learn so much from them and their needs are so great to have us really listen to them. I will never forget when I was reading to my grandson, a book about the tree houses and squirrels, and he interrupted me and said, "I don't want to dream about squirrels." And what would you like to dream about? "My grandma," he replied. What a warm and precious thought!