Cheers to the graduates! As I write this column, on the day of National Day of Prayer, many warm thoughts come to mind. Throughout the country, many students will be graduating from schools of learning this month. Graduation is both a happy and a sad occasion. The diploma, a symbol of excellence and knowledge, is the inheritance of our youth. I am reminded of what a big gray-haired, soft spoken Professor Greek once stated, as he handed out the diplomas. He said, "Young ladies and gentlemen, it is not possible for everyone to have a great intellect, but it is possible for everyone to have a great heart."
Episode 180: Builders of the Future →
Today, May 3rd, 2001, is National Day of Prayer. Many a church door will be open for prayer warriors to enter and pray on this special day. Wherever we may be, may we observe this very special day of prayer for our country and the leaders of our nation. Our nation was born in a meeting based on prayer. Many important decisions were only made after careful prayer to God. Unless the people of our nation and its leaders turn to God in prayer, our best plans will fail. Mighty leaders in the past have not hesitated to bow down before God. Our first President, George Washington, was recognized by members in Congress to kneel in prayer. Our forefathers and foremothers are known for being prayer warriors. Many events in history have been altered and changed when people have gone to their knees in believing prayer.
Episode 179: Be a Kid Again →
Last week we learned some thoughts from the kids and computers. In the past, I've received some interesting comments from my readers in my peer group who are having a growing edge with all this computer technology. I have been reading some perspectives on aging and how to be a kid again and so I will share these thoughts found on the internet. Perhaps it is the first draft.
Episode 178: Nebraska Sunsets →
One morning from my hospital bed, I could see the sun rising above the South Dakota plains. What a beautiful sight. As a child, I grew up on the Nebraska plains. When I would herd the cattle along the countryside, I dreamed of being a writer and began writing poetic lines. When I was old enough to read the Columbus Telegram, I would read Edgar Howard's editorials. I will never forget his last editorial, for after that he laid down his pen. The editorial was about a Nebraska sunset and I would like to share with you these cherished words.
Episode 177: Dakota →
This past week I had read the book "Dakota," a spiritual geography by Kathleen Norris, who lives in Lemmon, South Dakota with her husband David Droyer, who is a poet. Kathleen has also written two books of poetry, "Falling Off," and "The Middle of the World." Perhaps some of you have read this memoir, which is a remarkable new work of nonfiction.
Episode 176: My Walk with Jesus →
At this time each year, we all look forward to the glorious Easter season and experience the joy of Easter morning. The week before Easter is especially meaningful to me, as I recall my pre-easter pilgrimage to the Holy Land and walking that road to Calvary. When I returned from my pilgrimmage, I wrote these thoughts that I would like to share with you now.
Episode 175: An Ode to Good Friends →
It was five years ago that I wrote the first Warm Thoughts column over a cup of tea. I can remember the moment as if it happened yesterday. The first day of spring in 1993 was a beautiful springy day. Surprise, surprise! On Sunday morning, following that first day of spring, I awoke to a winter wonderland and a real South Dakota prairie blizzard. However, my pioneer spirit urged me to go to church that morning. Surprise, surprise! I was the only parishioner in church that morning. I was not aware that weather conditions were that severe to call off church services. What a lonely feeling. I later joked that the pastor went through the entire message and even shook my hand as I left the services! That afternoon, as the north winds blew and the snow covered the plains, I sat down at my old typewriter and typed the very first column of Warm Thoughts as I sipped a cup of tea. And I had many warm feelings as I appreciated a warm and safe home as the winds blew.
Episode 174: Think Spring →
Hello spring! When one looks at the calendar we observe that the spring equinox, which occurs on March 20th, is fast approaching. Think spring! After a long winter, we welcome the change of season. Easter and thoughts of Easter bring joy to our hearts. Spring and Easter seem to be synonymous. The days become longer and the sun's work becomes evident. There is a renewal of life as the birds sing their melodies. The March snowmelt will transform creeks into flowing rumbling song. Yes, spring will be here!
Episode 173: St. Patrick & the Shamrock →
Right after St. Valentine's Day was history, I immediately saw St. Patrick's Day cards and decorations in the stores. There may be signs of winter and white snow around us, but the Shamrock decorations of green are symbolic of life and soon we'll have St. Patrick's Day and spring. I've always been curious about Bishop Patrick and why people considered him a saint in their lives. In my research, I read about the legend of the Shamrock and will share these thoughts with you.
Episode 172: Sunshine in a Smile →
The first of March is "Share a Smile Day." Why just one day? Let's make every day a National Smile Day! Joseph Addison puts it this way, "What sunshine is to the flowers, smiles are to humanity...the good they do is inconceivable." Remember, it takes 43 muscles to frown and only 17 to smile! A world traveler once explained, "In all the countries I have been to, everyone understands a smile." We soon learn when we travel that all people smile in the same language.
Episode 171: Listening to the Children →
In recent Warm Thoughts columns you've read about the joy one receives when you really listen to the children. Their words of wisdom not only surprise us, but their thoughts jog our minds to higher levels of understanding, for they are our master teachers. I was so pleased to learn that our governor signed a proclamation encouraging us to find a child to read to on March 2nd. This date is "America's Read to Kids Day." It is hoped that all states will become aware of how important it is to read to the children. This is a nationwide campaign to encourage reading.
Episode 170: A Letter to Luetta →
When you read this Warm Thoughts column, it will be February and January has come and gone. Where has the month gone so fast? It has been a month of London fog flinging a crystal veil over the heartland, a real winter wonderland. February is heart month - the month of the Groundhog, Valentine's Day, Presidents Day...Did I forget something? February is also the month when many warm thoughts on love come to mind. In his book "How to Love," Arthur H. Rahner Jr states, "It is a selfish world." He defines love as not emotions or feelings, but the willingness to sacrifice for another. When we are selfish and look only to support our own causes, we cannot truly love.
Episode 169: Celebrate Life Each Day →
After I delivered last week's Warm Thoughts column, I walked to the post office. At the counter stood someone receiving a parcel - it was for her 90th birthday that day. I stood there in amazement and deep in thought as she drove away, alone, on the icy streets. I thought, "Here's a lady who understands what celebrating life each day really means. She lives every day of her life." In the mail that day came a letter from a longtime friend and reader of Warm Thoughts. She related about how her family and friends gave her a warm reception on her 80th birthday. She shared with me one of the readings her daughter read, and I feel you too, will enjoy these warm thoughts.
Episode 168: We Are Never Too Old →
In last week's warm thoughts column we shared thoughts on the importance of listening to the children. I never cease to be amazed at the words of wisdom children can give you when you really listen to them. My experience throughout the years has also been that one can gain wisdom and understanding when we really listened to the older generation. Their wealth of experiences are a treasure and need to be shared.
Episode 167: No Place Like Home →
Recently I read an article about the "Little Houses on the Prairie." Perhaps you, too, have read about the 1,400 people who came to a small Native American reservation here in South Dakota, to build thirty homes in five days. This happened in mid-July of last year and at that time, on those prairies, the wind was warm. These volunteer workers for Habitat for Humanity came from all walks of life. At one time, there were three PhDs on the roof of a house nailing on shingles. To build thirty homes in one week became a most ambitious project. It became known as "Jimmy Carter's Work Project." It was named after Habitat's best known volunteer. Alongside was former First Lady Rosalynn Carter working with her husband. There they were for the week, dressed for the work project. The people called the former president, "Wawikia Lakota - for one who cares about people."
Episode 166: Children - Our Master Teachers →
Throughout the years, I have been aware of how much one can learn in our lifelong learning process when we listen to the children. Albert Einstein once stated, "Pay close attention to the curiosities of a child. This is where the search for knowledge is the freshest and most valuable."
Episode 165: Today is Life →
Happy New Year! This is the first column for the new year. Perhaps you have already been asked, "Have you made your New Year's resolutions already?" For me, it almost seems like a dream that 1997 is here already. As my thoughts on this new year is before us, I am reminded of the motivational plaque which declares, "Yesterday is but a dream. Tomorrow is a vision of hope. Look to this day, for it is life." Let's celebrate life!
Episode 164: The Christmas Spirit, All Year Long →
Christmas brings us many memories. For me, Christmas is a season that is very dear to my heart. I want to live in the Christmas spirit all year long! Is it any wonder when you come to that little home on the prairie that you may get a cup of Christmas tea and a warm welcome? The end of another year is approaching very rapidly. It is hard to believe that 1996 will soon be history.
Episode 163: Peace, Sweet Peace →
Recently I heard Terry Anderson speak at the University of South Dakota. Some of the readers of this column will remember the day he was released from the gloom of a Beirut prison four years ago on December 4th, 1991. Terry Anderson had been with the Associated Press in Lebanon when he was kidnapped and taken captive for seven years, or 2,454 days. He was chained to a wall in prison and lived at the uncertain mercy of his captors.
Episode 162: Relaxing with a Good Book →
During the Thanksgiving and Christmas season, many people travel by air and land to visit family. It is a busy time, and often the stress and strain from travel and the social events can cause us to feel overtired. It becomes apparent that we need to focus on the reason for the season. In my travels throughout the years, I have noticed people relaxing while reading a book. It is one of the ways of finding quiet moments of relaxation. I usually travel with books and find moments to have some quiet thoughts from the heart.