This is the time of year when some folks leave the prairie winds and go south for the winter. Folks down south who have permanent residence there will say, "The snowbirds are coming!" About the same time, the northern geese are going south too. Recently, I read that these geese are not going as far south as they used to go in past years. These geese flap their wings and fly south in a V formation. In the spring, they fly north and it is always a special time for us to learn some lessons from the geese.
Episode 157: God Bless You →
The month of October has been designated as "Clergy Appreciation Month." Many congregations throughout the country have expressed special thanks to their pastor and given honor to the pastoral ministry during this month. We have become more aware that the pastoral ministry makes great demands upon the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing of the individuals that we call pastor. An unknown author has expressed as thanks in the following warm thoughts. "To our Pastor: God bless you for the work you've done in the service of our Lord. May His constant blessing be your well deserved reward as you meet the challenge of the tasks God gives to you. May faith and hope and happiness be yours in all you do."
Episode 156: Make a Difference →
A recent warm thoughts column provided information about "Make a Difference Day," which is October 26th. It is a day when everyone is encouraged to make a difference in their community and world by making it a day of caring. An annual national day of helping others. Across the nation, about one million Americans will help others on this Make a Difference Day. Can one person make a difference? We are aware that there have been many difference makers in history.
Episode 155: Cultivating a Positive Attitude →
It is very interesting to know that in a recent survey that was taken, 75% of the people believe that a positive mental attitude can snap one out of depression. Throughout the ages, great men have shared with us some very good words of wisdom and positive thoughts. And so this week, I have selected some of those thoughts for this column.
Episode 145: Off-the-Wall Humor & Down-to-Earth Inspiration →
Throughout the country, many schools will be opening their doors already in August. Summer vacation will soon end. For some, it has been a time for summer reading and summer school activities and preparation for the coming school year.
Episode 144: The Parent of all Virtues →
In last week's column, it was mentioned that one of the best attitudes is gratitude. Thanksgiving Day is celebrated one day of the year. Thanksgiving and thanksliving is an attitude that can be practiced every day, making it a daily habit. My observation throughout the years is that the happiest persons are the most grateful individuals. They live "The Attitude of Gratitude" each day of their lives, an awakened, revitalized recognition of our blessings encourages gratitude thoughts.
Episode 143: Milestone Birthdays →
Dear readers, today is my 70th birthday. Among the cards I received was a very special poem given to me by my sister-in-law and special friend throughout the years. Last February, family celebrated her 65th birthday, and she has accepted the aging process very gracefully. When family surprised me and celebrated my birthday in June, she shared these thoughts.
Episode 142: A Letter →
It is such a joy to receive letters from the readers of this column. I appreciate it so much when they include some gems of thought that I can share with you all throughout this column. In this day of high technology, the fax machine is used to communicate, (email and the computer) for our relationships. That personal handwritten letter may soon become a gift of the past. Here is the thought a faithful reader from Florida sent me.
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 126: Time to Clutter-Bust →
The other day as I observed the creative clutter on my desk and in my life, I decided that I better get the clutter-busting going. Suddenly I became energized to get rid of any cabin fever I had and begin some spring house cleaning activities. After a week of spring weather in February, I realized that the calendar does not lie. It still is winter for a few more days. This brings memories for me of the spring house cleaning time years ago, and how extensive we went into going into all those expedient tasks. I am still able to recall the years when this spring house cleaning was a major enterprise. One would begin in January to clean closets drawers and kitchen cupboards. And we managed to declutter our home and prepare for the major spring cleaning. Since I failed these tasks in January, I knew I would have to develop a battle plan.
Episode 123: Who is Your Hero President? →
Presidents Day is Monday, February 19th. We now celebrate all former presidents. We originally honored only George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, both of whom had birthdays during the month of February - February 22nd and 12th, respectively. George Washington was the first and only president to be elected unanimously by the Electoral College. He received all 69 of the votes. He was the first president with false teeth and the first to appear on a postage stamp. He was our country's first president and was known as a father of our country. Abraham Lincoln was the first Republican President and the first president to be assassinated. He was the first to support women's right to vote. There are for US state capitals that are named after presidents. The presidents who have state capitols named after them are Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Jackson, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison.
Episode 122: Love in Every Language →
Since February is national children's month, I thought about writing an essay on what my grandchildren have taught me. They are now in school with children of other cultures. And although they may have graduated from Crayola college, they are colorblind and love their friends from other cultures. Recently, my grandson Trevor was teaching me to count to five in the Japanese language and even write the numbers. Since we will be celebrating Valentine's Day next week, I have researched how to say, "I love you," in 15 languages. (And I, Trina, apologize in advance if I mispronounce any these)
Episode 121: Strengthening Families →
If you were asked to prioritize the 10 subject topics among 37 subjects for news coverage, what would you consider the most preferred topics? A recent poll of 115,000 people was made, and they were asked to rank the top 10 topics in order according to their preference. They were given 37 subjects for possible radio and magazine coverage. They were asked which one is the most important and should be given priority. The first most important topic was strengthening families. Among the other top 10 chosen were listed the topics on grandparenting, values and school, parenting toddlers, school aged children - adolescents, male Christian leadership, abortion, public policy, and family devotions. It was interesting to know what 115,000 people wanted to learn more about in the 90s.
Episode 120: Tomorrow's Flowers are in the Seeds of Today →
Warmest Epiphany greetings to your home from that little home on the prairie to all dear family and friends around the world. What a joy to return home after three weeks on a mission of love in Ohio to the many letters and cards from family and friends all over the world. It has become a tradition in my life to write an epiphany letter each year on the morning of epiphany. Christmas is for always, and all year when you come to that little home on the prairie, you will see the lighted Christmas tree and a star. Grandchildren know there will be a small gift under the tree at the top of the stairs upon each visit. And we can't forget that cup of Christmas tea. And now let us go into our thoughts and spirits to Bethlehem. And like the angels, the shepherds, and the magi or wisemen, may we still seek him at that lowly manger. God sent his son in the form of a baby and humbled himself to show us something new - unconditional love and wholehearted forgiveness. It is quite significant that in this month of January that we have International Forgiveness week.
Episode 119: Treasures of a Far More Lasting Kind →
It was a winter wonderland as my friend and I traveled the other morning. The sun shone brightly on every tree decked out in full glory. The blizzards of yesterday and yesteryear are forgotten when one sees those snowflakes glisten and sparkle. The world around us was a heavenly mantle of white. One can truly appreciate each season of the year.
Episode 118: Warm Thoughts for the New Year →
New Year's resolutions have been made by now and we are looking forward to this brand new year. May you be inspired by a blessing for the 1997 New Year. This year, choose to be happy now. Mend a quarrel. Seek out a forgotten friend. Write a letter. Share some treasure. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Keep a promise. Find the time. Forgive an enemy. Listen. Apologize if you were wrong. Think first of someone else. Be kind and gentle. Laugh a little. Laugh a little more. Express your gratitude. Gladden the heart of a child. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. Speak your love. Speak it again. Speak it still, once again.
Episode 109: Helping Hands →
Last week's column projected some thoughts about preparing ourselves, already, for a 21st century. I realize that many of you may be thinking, “I can only handle one day at a time.” It is in the here and now that we live that “one day at a time.” And as I age, I realized more each day how important servant leadership skills and customer service is a must in the world of competition. I was really made aware of this, even more the other day when I needed to reach out and seek help from customer service. I received the help I needed, and was given respect and understanding. You can be sure I will tell others about the fine customer service and support I received.