November. Can it really be November? Already, it seems, the year has it's last flare of youth in October. In November, the earth folds its hands, hands that have been trained in the lesson of content and waits for that garment of snow.
Episode 242: 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 1 million Americans will help others on this Make a Difference Day.
Episode 241: More than Money →
While in southern Nebraska on a weekend retreat, my daughter called the Little Home on the Prairie from Texas. Thanks to answering machines, she informed me that in their area in Texas, they got their first cold front. The temperature got to a lovely 70 degrees. I also was made aware that Boulder, Colorado had a storm, no school, and in Denver, many of the trees were destroyed because of an ice storm. And my friend in Florida informs me about the challenges their state experiences in Love Bug month. This time traveling back home throughout the heartland of America, I saw many fields not yet ready for harvest that had been damaged by the early frost. It brought back memories of the challenging years that many of us experienced as a child in those years of depression, which now seem to be history.
Episode 240: Towards a Society of All Ages →
A recent article I read states that the United Nations General Assembly has designated 1999 as International Year of Older Persons. The theme will be "Towards a Society of All Ages." This theme was chosen to promote the philosophy that societies should be inclusive in nature, should embrace all population groups, and share their resources equally. October 1st, 1998 will be the day that the UN launches this year long celebration, which is also the International Day of Older Persons, having its beginning in 1990.
Episode 239: We Are Survivors →
Recently, one of the readers of this column from Texas sent me an article entitled, "We Are Survivors: Consider the Changes We Witnessed." I thought it appropriate to share some of the thoughts from this article. Individuals who were born prior to 1945 will especially understand the changes in their lives.
Episode 238: Make a Difference Day →
One of the very faithful readers of this Warm Thoughts column recently sent me an article entitled, "You Can Make a Difference." It was an article informing the public to take action on October 26th and make that day a day of caring, a national day to inform us that the Make a Difference Day can help everyone to help others. The sixth annual event, in partnership with the Points of Light Foundation, takes place on October 26th. Mark your calendar!
Episode 237: Count Your Blessings →
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 by 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 236: The Challenges of Aging →
Recently, I read a very interesting article on the challenges of aging. Studies by the experts state that "the generation who are celebrating their 50th, 60th and 70th anniversaries have succeeded in kicking the blabbers out of the stereotypes of aging." Perhaps this can be explained by one word - attitude. The experts stated, "the attitudes of a 70-year-old today are equivalent to those of a 50-year-old, but only a decade or two ago." It is interesting how many couples are in their 50th, 60th and even 70th wedding anniversaries. More individuals are also reaching that century mark. The late George Burns stated, "I see people who, the minute they get to be 60, start rehearsing to be old. They practice when they sit down and grunting when they get up, and by the time they get to be 70, they're a hit. They've got the part - they're old."
Episode 235: See a Silver Lining in Every Cloud →
August is the time of year that families take that last fling and perhaps go to the mountains before school starts. It is often a quiet time of reflection, a time to reflect on many happy summertime activities. At a quiet moment, I discovered some beautiful thoughts by an unknown author that I'd like to share with my loyal readers of the Warm Thoughts column.
Episode 234: Learning Over a Cup of Tea →
Summertime. Good old summertime! It is a good time to get in some summer reading. My grandchildren from Ohio sent me the book, "If Tea Cups Could Talk," by Emily Barnes. I have enjoyed reading the many warm thoughts in this book over a cup of tea. I've also had many special moments with the grandchildren, as we have our tea party.
Episode 233: Listen & Learn →
Recently, I read a book by H. Jackson Brown Jr. entitled, "Live and Learn and Pass it On." In the book, people, ages 5 to 95 share what they have discovered about life, love, and other good stuff. Some of the thoughts are a bit humorous, but somehow we can get the message. I've personally discovered throughout my years that if we really listen, we can learn so much.
Episode 232: What Would It Say? →
During July, in the month when we celebrate independence day, many patriotic thoughts come to mind as I see "Old Glory" wave high in the skies. If that flag could speak, what would it say? In my thought file, I have the following thoughts about our flag.
Episode 231: The Year I Was Born →
Traveling throughout the heartland of America, I was impressed with the beauty of the green fields. After attending the International Congress on the Family in Colorado, it was a joy to again spend special time with family and friends and 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.
Episode 230: Family - Community of Love →
Many of the readers of this warm thoughts column are aware that I write these lines a week before you have the opportunity to read the column. When you read this column, I will have returned from the International Congress on the Family, which was held on July 5th - 9th in Denver, Colorado. So stay tuned to this column as I will share with you my personal experiences and thoughts from this Congress.
Episode 229: 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, Seward, Nebraska, Independence Day has very special memories for me. Singing the Star Spangled Banner has inspired millions and moved many to tears. It is symbolized with the flag, what it really does mean to be a loyal American.
Episode 228: Happy Father's Day →
The first day of summer! Good old Summertime is very near. Next Sunday not only is 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 Fashion Daddy."
Episode 227: Old Glory →
When you read this column, it will be only a few days before Flag Day. I have often wondered if "Old Glory" can 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 226: 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 225: Celebrate 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 families in Ohio. It was very special to be able to attend the grand opening of the Warner Funeral Services in Mansfield, Ohio. Another highlight of my Ohio visit was to be able to attend the graduation ceremonies of my granddaughter, Rosa Warner. 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 that moment.
Episode 224: Dear Maxine →
As we reflect on the past century, it is interesting that it is the 100th anniversary of the Nobel Peace Prize. We even have a stamp to remind us about this anniversary. Mother Teresa was one of the recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize. When she was asked, "How can we bring peace to the world?" She answered, "Just go home and love your family."