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.
Episode 49: Happy Easter →
Happy Easter everyone!
After the long winter, the seeds of spring are beginning to appear. We are reminded once again that in our lives, we will have times of winter, but spring will come as promised. Spring is a time when one gets the urge to travel with the birds and visit family and friends, renewing old friendships and making new ones. This past weekend, it was my joy to travel back to my roots and visit family and see many of my old friends from years gone by. celebrating a 40th wedding anniversary with family was one of the highlights of the journey. Traveling old familiar roads brought back many memories and can give one a bit of nostalgia memories, sweet memories.
Episode 48: Secret Garden →
Every year since 1959, the Freeman community has a festival of tasting, which they call the “Schmeckfest.” At the 43rd annual schmuck fest,the menu of traditional German foods that has had such universal appeal over the years will again be served. These foods have retained their popularity with guests from many states and several foreign countries. The dates for the Schmeckfest this year are March 29, 30th, and 31st. The musical “Secret Garden” will culminate the activities of the 43rd Schmeckfest.
Episode 47: Love Anyways →
Now, before we leave heart month and the extra day of the year, thoughts seem to linger on recipes for the heart and many warm thoughts. Great minds have given us many thoughts from the heart on love.
How deep is love? What is love? When I have quiet thoughts from the heart, I am reminded of the poem which was decided by Dr. Carl A. Meneinger at the literary symposium on October 27th, 1981 at the Dag Hammarskjold auditorium, United Nations. It is entitled, “Anyway.”
Episode 46: Love is a Gift →
Valentine greetings! When you read this column it will be the week of Valentine's Day. From Ohio this past week, came a letter with several poems and one was on love, which really touched my heart. Ruth George is something and still very young at heart. It will bring her much joy to be able to share these warm thoughts on love with you, dear readers of this column.
Episode 45: Parents Learning from Children →
Recently, I read an article based on research conducted by a high school teacher in Houston, Texas, who has surveyed more than 300 teenagers and two school districts asking for their comments on these two questions. One, what advice would you give to your mom and dad? To? What do you believe it takes to produce respectful and respectable teenagers. The teenagers ranged in age from 14 to 18 years of age, providing responses such as these.
Episode 44: Heart Month →
February is a month when many romantic and patriotic thoughts are expressed. Fields may still be bedded down with snow and yet we are aware that spring will soon be here. Springtime inspires thoughts of love and affection.
Episode 43: A Child's View of Retirement →
A dear friend who lives in the heartland of America shared with me some amusing thoughts given by a child upon his return home from spending the Christmas holidays with his grandparents in Arizona.
A child's view of retirement and a mobile home park.
After Christmas break, the teacher asked her small pupils how they spent their holiday.
One little boys reply went like this:
Episode 42: The Information Age →
In this information age, it sometimes seems that our minds have become as stuffed as a computer, and that we cannot swallow another bit of information. Many people feel stressed, overworked, and are sleep deprived. A topic, therefore, that has captivated people's interest is how to sharpen their memory. Dr. Allen Searleman, a professor of psychology at St. Lawrence University and Canton, New York, stated that memory lapses can be caused by lifestyle factors, overwork, anxiety, lack of sleep, a poor diet, or not enough exercise. An action plan designed to sharpen your memory includes these activities: learn to relax, get enough sleep, practice good nutrition, exercise your body and mind, give yourself time, find places for things, keep a box of mementos. For this will help you remember what is important in your life.
Episode 41: New Year's Reflections →
This warm thoughts column is the last column for this year. As we reflect on this past year, there have been mountains of joy and some valleys of sorrow and real sadness and grief. The New Year, 2006 will soon be here. The thoughts for this new year are titled “Each Day.”
Episode 40: Christmas Poems →
The many beautiful Christmas cards and letters that have arrived at this little home on the prairie have indeed warmed my heart. One of the letters from a dear friend included a poem from a Christmas card, and she suggested that it be included in the warm thoughts column.
Episode 39: Twelve Gifts of Christmas →
At this time during the Christmas season, we feel pressured and overwhelmed when we look at the calendars, which remind us that soon it will be Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Perhaps we have procrastinated in getting shopping done and getting something for the special people in our lives. Many people again will receive costly gifts in beautiful wrappings, toys that will fall apart, flowers that will fade, and many other gifts. As I thought about this, I came up with twelve gifts for the twelve Days of Christmas, that will not wear out and can be given all year long.
Episode 38: Old Fashioned Christmas →
Last week in the warm thoughts column I shared thoughts about the Old Fashioned Thanksgiving. As Christmas rapidly approaches, I will share some warm thoughts about an Old Fashioned Christmas, written by a dear old friend from Lincoln Nebraska. It was written by Darlene M. Miltner and published in Life Lines.
Episode 37: Happy Thanksgiving →
Over the river and through the woods to grandmother's house, we go!
May you all around the world have a happy, joyful, and thankful Thanksgiving with family and friends. Let's all be joyful, with an attitude of gratitude. Two days before writing this warm thoughts column, I received in the mail from a reader, a poem by Edgar, a guest, written in 1917 and published in the book, “Just, folks.”
Episode 36: Bigger than Challenges →
This is the season to be thankful. But really isn't every day, a day to give thanks for our many challenges and blessings. It was many years ago that a dear friend taught me to always be thankful, no matter what happens, one day after listening to her, I stated that it seemed to me that she was being one day after listening to her I stated that it seemed to me that she was really being tried and tested her reply left an indelible impression on me. Her face was radiant and her eyes sparkled as she spoke, and fat ugly. I love God so much and I just can't look at all these troubles as problems.