American history comes alive when one visits presidential libraries and museums. A recent visit to the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum in Iowa proved to be very interesting. Reading some of the quotes from his speeches at that time in the history of our country - the Great Depression, was very enlightening. On the lighter side, he wrote an essay which I would like to share with you at this time.
Episode 141: God Bless America & You →
Did you celebrate America's birthday? Over 200 years have come and gone for our good, old USA. Many ceremonies come to mind as we remember celebrating Independence Day. As we reflect on the month of June, and Father's Day celebrations with family, my thoughts reflect on historical facts about the father of our country, George Washington. Recently I read Washington's prayer for our country. And I would like to share his warm thoughts for our country.
Episode 140: Healing Liberty →
It is that time of year when many patriotic thoughts arise as we see the flag flying high in the sky. I am very impressed in my travels to note where homes fly the flag on a daily basis.
Episode 138: Old Glory →
When you read this column, it will only be 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.
Episode 137: Like Flying a Kite →
June. The month for Children's Day, Father's Day, Flag day. A month for birthdays, wedding anniversaries, bridal showers, weddings, graduations, family reunions and the celebration of family. I find it very interesting that Children's Day and Flag Day fall on the same day and Father's Day and the first day of summer are also on the same day this year.
Episode 136: Our Lady of Freedom →
When you read this last column for the month of May, many thoughts come to mind about Memorial Day. As we reflect on the many Memorial days of the past, we experience many warm thoughts on peace and about our land of freedom. In this week's column, I will share a poem sent to me by a lady in her 80s. She is a very special friend who has been a real inspiration to me, especially during the last several weeks. She is a distinguished member of the International Society of Poetry, and her poetry will be featured in the "Best Poems of the 90s," a publication of the National Library of Poetry. And most recently, she was inducted into the Eastern Kentucky University's Hall of Distinguished Alumni.
Episode 131: Come with Me, and Abide →
At this time of year, we all look forward to the glorious Easter season and experience the joy of Easter morning. The week before Easter is especially meaningful for me as I recall my pre-Easter pilgrimage to the Holy Land and walking that road to Calvary. When I returned from my pilgrimage, I wrote these thoughts which I've used many times in a slide lecture on "My Journey with Jesus." And now I will share with you, my readers of this warm thoughts column.
Episode 130: Reconciliation Day →
As I flipped the calendar, I was shocked that it was April already and April Fool's Day! Some of the readers of this warm thoughts column will recall the fun we had as children and trying to fool someone on that day, even if we had to lie a little bit. It did seem permissible for just one day. You tried to fool at least one person and it was just a fun game.
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.
Episode 125: Those Horse & Buggy Days →
It has been such a joy to receive letters from around the world over the holidays, and from such warm places like Florida and California. It did spread some sunshine when we had cold winter days and nights. But now we wake up for soon we will experience the glories of springtime. This past week a beautiful letter came from California. This dear lady faithfully reads the warm thoughts column and it brings many memories of living out here on the prairie near Dolton, when it was a busy city and had a bank and two grocery stores. She shares her memories on the farm, raising her family, teaching school and giving piano lessons to many students. Her retirement now is filled with memories and I hope she writes her story of her life near Dolton to share with her children, grandchildren and others. You are a real inspiration with that wonderful pioneer spirit to keep on keepin on.
Episode 114: Planting Seeds of Hope →
Every year on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, Bible Sunday is observed. The theme for this year is "planting seeds of hope." As one research is survival on words of hope, there are many Bible promises on hope. Recently, pollster George Gallup Jr. speaking to a group of international reporters said, people in many nations appear to be searching with the new intensity for spiritual warnings. One of the key factors prompting this search is certainly a need for hope in these troubled times.
Episode 113: Giving Thanks for Family →
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.