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 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 134: Standing Strong in Life's Storms →
Surprise, surprise! It was indeed a surprise when the storm and tornado hit Canistota last Friday evening. Oftentimes we read or hear about these stormy events, but it is another thing to experience it. For many there were tears over the losses. But what warm thoughts we have when we observe how a community works together and can stand stronger through life's storms. As we survived the tornado together, one could only observe a caring community and a community who really cares for one another. One cannot help but be reminded of the words of Philip Brooks who once said, "Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger people. Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers. Pray for powers equal to your tasks." Those thoughts inspire us to stand strong throughout the storm of life.
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 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 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 124: An Ode to Luetta →
Among the brilliant readers of this column are retired school teachers. One of these educators is now in her "nifty nineties" and checks these warm thoughts on a weekly basis. She has been quite curious about this little home on the prairie, and recently came to visit over a cup of Christmas tea. She too, appreciates poetry and left her gift with me. And with her permission, I share with you dear readers of this column. She requested that her name remain anonymous.
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 111: The Purple Hat →
Recently I visited dear friends who are now living in an Assisted Leisure Living Center. Before I left, one of them quoted words from Shakespeare, and another told me about her voice activated computer who gave her information about the purple hat. She shared these thoughts with me and I would like to share them with the readers of this warm thoughts weekly column.
Episode 107: A Job Well Done →
This is a wonderful time of year to travel along the country lanes and see the beautiful fields and the healthful skies above. The green earth is beginning to turn to gold and soon the reddish harvest moon, like a beacon from another planet will beam down on our world.
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 100: Mailed Letters - A Gift of the Past →
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 through 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 82: Violets & Saint Valentine →
We welcome the month of February. It begins with National Freedom Day, on February 1 and Groundhog Day on February 2. It is the month for Valentine's Day, the month when our attention is focused on love, and gifts of love are presented to those for whom we have warm and loving feelings. It is the month we celebrate Presidents Day, and have many warm and patriotic thoughts for our beloved country. I recently read thoughts about the story of Saint Valentine. Perhaps it is best understood from the poem Helen Steiner Rice wrote that describes what the real meaning of this special signifies.
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!