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 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 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 63: The World in 1926 →
When traveling throughout the heartland of America. I was impressed with the beauty of the green fields. After attending the International Congress of the Family in Colorado, it was a joy to again spend special time with family and friends to celebrate another birthday.
I did not realize that the year I entered this big world, it was a banner year - it was family in Wisconsin who shared these thoughts on a birthday card. It was quite interesting for me to learn that in that banner year, a lot of things were happening, and prices were different from our present age.
Episode 62: Living on the Farm →
It is fun to live on a farm and to live in the little home on the prairie. Some days I feel like one of the pioneers who homesteaded on the prairie. After all, I told myself that I am one of the last of the pioneers with the, "good old pioneer spirit." Yes, I sometimes feel like I live between the old ways of Midwestern culture and the new world of technology.
Episode 60: Summer Holidays →
It was Christmas in June at the little home on the prairie. Family drove from various areas of America to celebrate together a few weeks ago. The temperature was in the 70s. Instead of snowflakes an occasional mosquito buzzed by and a few june bugs. No snow fell, but rain dashed on the tent where children played and slept nearby. Father Christmas or Santa Claus, did not even arrive in a boat or a sleigh. However, everyone enjoyed the festive Christmas foods in picnic style. Since family was widely scattered and work schedules prevented getting together on December 25th, we gathered together during good old summertime. Family traditions and celebrations for holidays and everyday are very important. It is a reminder of the good old days, when extended families lived close by and traditions were passed from generation to generation. Family means, “a sense of belonging” and people you can count on to share their time and values and care about strengthening family ties. Yes. It was Christmas in June, and not Christmas in July, as it had been in former years. Yet, there were the fireworks, the creative activities, the decorations and Snow Boots - the mama cat, and her kittens, including Little Snowflake, were the joy of the grandchildren at play. A lighted Christmas tree at the top of the stairs has gifts under its branches all year. What fun to open the surprise gifts and negotiate with one another. Laughter filled the Christmas tea room.
Episode 58: Old School Fathers →
The first day of summer. Good old summertime is very near! Next Sunday is not only the first day of summer, but it is also Father's Day. In our own special way, we honor our fathers on this day. We have very special memories, many memories touched my heart as I read about the “Old Fashioned Daddy.”
Episode 57: Moments with Family →
This warm thoughts column on family during National Family Month had a beginning as I was 16,000 miles in the air, flying over beautiful Ohio, and returning from visiting family. It was very special to be able to attend the grand opening at the Werner funeral services in Mansfield, Ohio.
Another highlight of my Ohio visit was to be able to attend the graduation ceremonies of my granddaughter, Rosa Werner. Six-year-old Rosa was radiant as she walked across the stage and received her Master's Degree in Kindness Acts from Kindergarten. It was so special for her two grandmas to share in that moment.
Episode 55: Decoration Day →
As we approach Memorial Day, our warm thoughts may go down memory lane and remember many of the patriotic holidays of past years that have brought joy into our lives. For many, Memorial day is the day of vacation, a time to travel, and perhaps spend time with family and friends, it is also a time to appreciate family and decorate the graves of our loved ones. For many years, this annual date was known as Decoration Day. It was early in May of 1868 that General John A. Logan, then the commander in chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, officially designated the 30th of May, as a day for decorating the graves of the comrades who died in defense of their country. Decoration Day then acquired its present, and more symbolical meaning of Memorial Day.
Episode 54: A Tribute to Daughters →
Recently I attended a mother daughter banquet. It was so interesting to see the mothers and daughters wear old fashioned hats. Those hats had stories to tell!
In my past columns I have shared thoughts giving tribute to mothers, mothers in law, mothers in love, and daughters in law, at another daughter banquet. A tribute was given to daughters, written by an unknown author. I would like to share these thoughts for daughters.
Episode 53: A Mother's Fortress →
It is always a joy to receive surprises in the mail! A letter from a friend in Texas shared a poem called “Thoughts of Home.” She had received it from someone in Nebraska who found it in her Bible. I thought it was a good poem to share as Mother's Day is so near!
Episode 52: Reflection in the Mountains →
It is springtime, and the Rockies. After the wintry April of South Dakota, it was a spring retreat for me to fly to the mountains of Colorado. It is always a joy to go see family in Colorado and celebrate special family events. Going to the mountains provides special moments for reflection and meditation. It was many years ago that I reflected on Psalm, 121, a favorite psalm for many and at that time, I penned these lines, which I will share with you.
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.
Episode 50: Memories of Love →
It is a real joy to receive letters from the readers of this warm thoughts column. There are so many gifted writers and I am happy that I can share their thoughts, often in my column. Keep sending your warm and precious thoughts. A reader of this column from Ohio, who has had her poems published in books and magazines, recently sent me her thoughts on memories from long ago.