A warm spirit of the approaching holiday season makes us especially thankful for family. Life is full of many reasons to celebrate, reflect and share our feelings during the coming holiday season. The United Nations designated 1994 as International Year of the Family with the theme of the year as "family resources and responsibilities in a changing world." The emblem of the International Year of the Family is a heart sheltered by a roof linked by another heart. It symbolizes life and love in a home where one finds warmth, caring, security, togetherness, tolerance, and acceptance. The open design is meant to indicate continuity with a hint of uncertainty the brushstroke with its open mind roof completes an abstract symbol representing the complexities of the family.
Episode 112: A Tribute to My Son - A Vietnam Veteran →
A TRIBUTE TO MY SON:
A Vietnam Veteran
by Dr. Luetta G. Werner
Just why did you do it... go to war?
So many people wondered why
You volunteered to serve your country;
You left as a teen and said, "Good-bye."
To serve your country…that was your goal.
You believed the cause was to fight to win.
God was your quide and stayed by your side,
And you felt His great love again and again.
The scars of this war will always be there.
You went a teen and came back a man.
Faith in your god and prayer saw you through,
Love for your country and this prairie land.
May God bless all those who serve their country!
Episode 108: Quiet Forces →
As I was traveling home after ending the Prayer Vigil of the American Mothers Association, many warm thoughts came to mind...thoughts about the future and how important it is that we think in the future tense and prepare ourselves for a 21st century. We do need to respect and honor the traditions and opinions of our forefathers and foremothers. It is in their accumulated wisdom and experience that much of the stability of a civilized society now rests, and we are thankful.
Recently I received a letter from a writer and poet in Florida. Sarah Gray has given permission to use her beautiful thoughts in this week’s warm thoughts column.
Episode 106: The Mother of Grandparent's Day →
September. Thirty days have September. Do you remember this rhyme? Some ancient smart person must have invented mnemonics a fancy word meaning tricks, or devices for remembering things hard to remember. In September, we have our first autumn day, and the first Sunday after Labor Day is national Grandparents Day. Although it is called Grandparents Day, the purpose is to honor all older citizens.
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 99: The Pioneers of Yesteryear →
Each year on July 4th we commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and we celebrate the birthday of our nation. It is a time to renew patriotism, and add a consciousness that our nation needs our prayers. It is a time when we are even more aware of the freedoms we enjoy here in America. With thankful hearts we sing America the Beautiful, and God bless America.
Episode 98: Fort Meade & The Star Spangled Banner →
The month of July is a very special month. July has many reasons to celebrate. Though not widely known, it was on July 2nd, not July 4th that The Continental Congress passed the resolution declaring the independence from the colonies. We celebrate Independence Day on July 4th. Are you a celebrator? Having lived several years in the Fourth of July city in Seward, Nebraska, Independence Day has very special memories for me. Singing the Star Spangled Banner has inspired millions and moved many to tears. It has symbolized with the flag, what it really does mean to be a loyal American.
Episode 96: The Mother of Father's Day →
Have you ever wondered who was the mother of Father's Day? It was Sonora Louise Dodd and the thought for Father's Day came to her in church, as she listened to her pastor extol the virtues of motherhood in his Mother's Day message. Sonora felt he failed to mention the value and importance of fathers. She felt fathers deserved equal credit and praise.