At this time each year, we all look forward to the glorious Easter season and experience the joy of Easter morning. The week before Easter is especially meaningful to me, as I recall my pre-easter pilgrimage to the Holy Land and walking that road to Calvary. When I returned from my pilgrimmage, I wrote these thoughts that I would like to share with you now.
Episode 175: An Ode to Good Friends →
It was five years ago that I wrote the first Warm Thoughts column over a cup of tea. I can remember the moment as if it happened yesterday. The first day of spring in 1993 was a beautiful springy day. Surprise, surprise! On Sunday morning, following that first day of spring, I awoke to a winter wonderland and a real South Dakota prairie blizzard. However, my pioneer spirit urged me to go to church that morning. Surprise, surprise! I was the only parishioner in church that morning. I was not aware that weather conditions were that severe to call off church services. What a lonely feeling. I later joked that the pastor went through the entire message and even shook my hand as I left the services! That afternoon, as the north winds blew and the snow covered the plains, I sat down at my old typewriter and typed the very first column of Warm Thoughts as I sipped a cup of tea. And I had many warm feelings as I appreciated a warm and safe home as the winds blew.
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 127: A Gaelic Blessing →
Every year as St. Patrick's Day approaches, I have very special warm feelings about the Irish blessings I've experienced throughout my long life by having those very special Irish friends. On March 17th, we remember St. Patrick. Who was St. Patrick? He was a boy who had been kidnapped and taken to Ireland as a slave. He managed to escape. However, he returned to spend the rest of his life telling people about the God he loved.