"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 66: Poets of the World →
I began writing this column as I was flying 35,000 feet in the air, on my way to a symposium and convention in Washington DC. It was my very first trip to the nation's capitol. And I remember long ago reading how to reach Washington DC. I read that one was to go to Harvard first, and then turn left. And here I was flying by air to my destination and hearing those famous words, "Fasten your seat belts!" Yes. The weather was very warm there until on Sunday afternoon when I was to return home, that showers of rain fell upon the city. It was also a great joy to be able to meet with extended family at the Crystal Cafe near the airport, and share with them the exciting days at the Washington Hilton, where the symposium and convention was held.
Episode 65: Intentional Counting →
Some time ago, a dear friend and great grandma who has faced many emotional challenges in her life, shared some thoughts about counting. This dear friend regularly reads this Warm Thoughts column and wanted to share the thoughts of an unknown author, with all you, dear readers out there, somewhere. We live in an age where we have many choices and changes.
Some time ago, I heard someone state that, "Pain is inevitable, but misery and being miserable is a choice." In the school of learning and hard knocks, the following thoughts may warm our hearts, and perhaps motivate us in our own countdown.
Episode 64: Still Learning →
This past weekend I drove to the city of Vermillion, where I frequently visit family, and my little granddaughter teaches me some new things she has learned recently. While there, I also traveled down memory lane in my thoughts. What warm thoughts overwhelmed me as I remembered the joys I experienced that last day in July, during the Bicentennial year. How can I ever forget that memorable year in the history of our country, and all the celebrations in South Dakota too? There were tears of joy as I stood with my collegiate clan on that open air field, and the music of the USD song resonated throughout the city, family, friends, and the students. I had taught in a class for gerontology and shared the joy of achievement of my "Grandma Day."
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 61: Adventures in Attitudes →
Many years ago I attended a seminar on Adventures in Attitudes, which at that time, made me very aware of the dynamics of positive and negative attitudes and their results.
A positive attitude, can be your choice and mine.To change your attitude is to change your life.
Dr Viktor Frankle writes, "The last of the human freedoms, is to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances." James Allen, long ago wrote the wonderful little book titled, "As a Man Thinketh," where he compared the mind to a garden, pointing out that the garden will always bring forth what is planted there. "If no useful seeds are put into it," he wrote, "then an abundance of useless weed seeds will fall therein, and will continue to produce their kind. So may a man tend to the garden of his mind weeding out all the wrong, useless, and impure thoughts and cultivating toward perfection, the flowers and fruits of right, useful, and pure thoughts. By pursuing this process, a man sooner or later discovers that he is the master gardener of his soul, the director of his life. He also reveals within himself. The laws of thoughts, how the thought forces, and mind elements operate in the shaping of his character,
circumstances, and destiny."
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 59: The Millenial Generation →
Recently, I read an article on the Millennial generation. I found it most interesting and would like to share my thoughts on this generation with my readers. We have heard and read about the Baby Boomers and the Generation X, Baby Busters. But what do we really know about the next generation? Neil Howe, and William Strauss have written a groundbreaking new book titled, “The Fourth Turning,” to describe what is being called the Millennial generation. That generation, beginning with those born in 1982 and later, is now entering high school. Howe and Strauss have discovered that this emerging generation is considerably different from the Gen Xers, who preceded that there were significant findings about Millennials, that will affect the way youth activities will be like in the next few years. Millennials are a generation nurtured during a veering of protective family structures, they are looked upon very favorably by elders. Movies that tended to demonize Gen Xers now characterize Millennials, as virtuous, and nearly angelic. Older people are very interested in protecting this generation.
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 56: Celebrating Friendships →
A recent letter informing me about my elderly friend in Nebraska brought joy to my heart. In the lively 80s this octogenarian, who is 88 years old, was recognized as Nebraska's 1995 outstanding adult at the governor's conference. Many memories came to my mind of how her radiant faith has blessed my life and so many others. She is able to bring rays of sunshine into the cloudy lives of the people she surrounds herself with. She has an encouraging word for everyone, regardless of age and seems to always see a silver lining in every cloud. I am sure she must believe the birds always sing after every storm. There have been the trials and triumphs, and she will tell you that she couldn't accomplish anything without God's help, she gives credit to her faith in God. Cheers, Levada!
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.
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.