Warm Thoughts

The month of October is clergy appreciation month. It is coincidental that just a few days ago I received from a clergyman who faithfully reads this column every week. Special thoughts that he felt could be used in a future column. These thoughts are very special for this clergy appreciation month. Thank you for sharing!

Rules from God. 1. Wake up. Decide to have a good day. Today is the day the Lord hath made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24. 2. Dress up. The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearances, but the Lord looks at the heart. 1st Samuel 16:7. 3. Hush up. Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so we must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking. He who guards his lips, guards his soul, Proverbs 13:3. 4. Stand up for what you believe in. Stand for something, or you will fall for anything. Let us not be weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good. Galatians 6:9-10. 5. Look up to the Lord. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13. 6. Reach up for something higher. Trust in the Lord, with all your heart, and lean not onto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6. 7. Lift up your prayers. Do not worry about anything. Instead pray about everything. Philippians 4:6. Author unknown.

The clergyman who sent these thoughts, which were taken from a church newsletter, shared these final thoughts: As we follow the rules God has for us, we will have blessings. We will also be blessed to be a blessing to others. Do you have some special thoughts to share at this beautiful time of year? Thank you for sharing. You, dear readers, are blessed to be a blessing.

Warm Thoughts from the Little Home on the Prairie Over a Cup of Tea, written by Dr. Luetta G. Werner.

Published in the Marion Record. October 3rd 2002.

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I hope you enjoyed this podcast episode! Please follow along on this journey by going to visualbenedictions.com or following me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. You can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcast,Spotify,Stitcher, and Overcast. And don’t forget to rate and review so more people can tune in! I’d greatly appreciate it.

Till next time,

Trina

September has been older Americans month. When we celebrate grandparents day, we see our grandchildren go off to school, to colleges and universities, and the grandparents get some perspectives on successful grandparenting and successful aging. Recently, I read about a study by Dr. George Valant from the Harvard Medical School. The study found that a lot of successful aging is how we handle ourselves through the years. It followed our lives of 824 men and women from their teens into their 80s. It divides persons between 60 and 80 into 2 groups. Happy well, and sad sick. It also analyzes the traits of individuals in the groups who have died.

Valant’s study came to these conclusions: Not smoking or quitting early, keeping a healthy weight, exercise, not abusing alcohol, a solid marriage, and a good education made a difference. Educated persons and those who continued to seek education were less apt to be obese and to be in control of their lives. The ability to roll with the punches and a sense of humor makes adjusting to life easier. Another study by Randy Larson, PhD University of Michigan, offered these steps to happiness. Pretending to be happy increases actual contentment. Keeping a journal helps to understand yourself, inventing certain types of games helps people to connect in positive and loving ways. Eating with awareness, paying attention to your body while eating makes eating more attractive and makes you less apt to eat things that aren't good for you. Rationally thinking your way through anger. When irritating things matter, take a few deep breaths and relax. It will help you know how to react. Assessing a situation will help you solve problems successfully. Meaningful rituals, such as resting at certain times each day or spending special time for yourself, can result in a positive, happy attitude. In other words, a positive mental attitude counts in successful aging.

And now some thoughts from a faithful reader of warm thoughts. Happy to share her warm thoughts. “Put yesterday behind you, it's gone and won't come back. And we cannot see ahead far down tomorrow's track. Enjoy the fleeting moments that come just for today. The sweet song of a bluebird, the morning sun's first ray. A warm and loving hand clasp, welcome letters in the mail, a bunch of fragrant violets, rain splashing in a pail. Each day has something special, some joy or souvenir, it might be gone tomorrow, so enjoy it while it's here.”

Enjoy successful aging, whatever your age!

Warm Thoughts from the Little Home on the Prairie Over a Cup of Tea written by Dr. Luetta G Werner.

Published in the Marion Record, September 26th, 2002.

Download the Found Photo Freebie and cherish your memories of the past.

Enjoy flipping through the Vintage Photo Book on your coffee table.

I hope you enjoyed this podcast episode! Please follow along on this journey by going to visualbenedictions.com or following me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. You can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcast,Spotify,Stitcher, and Overcast. And don’t forget to rate and review so more people can tune in! I’d greatly appreciate it.

Till next time,

Trina

Last week, we were reminded of the tragic events of September 11, 2001 that shook our nation. There have been many poems, songs, and prayers written that have touched our hearts. The following essay was an email which I received. It was written by an unknown author. Perhaps you received it too, following those events. You may wish to share these thoughts with someone who cares.

Meet me in the stairwell. You say you will never forget where you were when you heard the news of September 11, 2001. Neither will I. I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room with a man who called his wife to say goodbye. I held his finger steady as he dialed. I gave him peace to say, honey, I'm not going to make it, but it is okay. I am ready to go. I was with his wife when he called as she fed breakfast to their children. I held her up as she tried to understand his words, and as she realized he wasn't coming home that night. I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a woman cried out to me for help. I have been knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years, I said. Of course, I will show you the way home. Only believe in me now. I was at the base of the building with the priest ministering to the injured and devastated souls. I took him home to tend his flock in heaven. He heard my voice and answered, I was on all four of those planes, in every seat, with every prayer. I was with the crew as they were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the believers there, comforting and assuring them that their faith had saved them. I was in Texas, Kansas, London. I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news. Did you sense me? I want you to know that I saw every face. I knew every name, though not all knew me. Some met me for the first time on the 86th floor. Some sought me with their last breath. Some couldn't hear me calling to them through the smoke and flames. Come to me this way, take my hand. Some chose for the final time to ignore me. But I was there. I did not place you in the towers that day. You may not know why, but I do. However, if you had been there in that explosive moment in time, would you have reached for me? September 11, 2001 was not the end of the journey for you. But someday your journey will end, and I will be there for you as well. Seek me now while I may be found, then, at any moment, you know you are ready to go. I will be in the stairwell of your final moments. God.

I just looked on the calendar. Next week on September 23rd is the first day of the autumn season. For everything, there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven. Welcome autumn days!

Warm Thoughts from the Little Home on the Prairie Over a Cup of Tea written by Dr. Luetta G Werner.

Published in the Marion Record, September 19th, 2002.

Download the Found Photo Freebie and cherish your memories of the past.

Enjoy flipping through the Vintage Photo Book on your coffee table.

I hope you enjoyed this podcast episode! Please follow along on this journey by going to visualbenedictions.com or following me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. You can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcast,Spotify,Stitcher, and Overcast. And don’t forget to rate and review so more people can tune in! I’d greatly appreciate it.

Till next time,

Trina

The U.S. National Grandparents Day is the 1st Sunday after Labor Day in September. In 2010, it falls on September 12th, and in 2011 on September 11th, also the anniversary of the 911 terrorism attacks. Marion McQuade of Oak Hill, West, Virginia, has been recognized nationally by the United States Senate, in particular by Senators Jennings, Randolph, and Robert Bird and by President Jimmy Carter.

As the founder of National Grandparents Day. McQuade made it her contributions seniors have made throughout history. She also urged the youth to adopt a grandparent, not just for one day a year, but rather for a lifetime. In 1973, Senator Jennings Randolph introduced a resolution to the Senate to make grandparents day a national holiday. West Virginia's governor Arch Moore had proclaimed an annual grandparents' day for the state at the urging of Marion McQuade. When Senator Randolph's resolution to the U.S. Senate died in committee, Marion McQuaid organized supporters and began contacting governors, senators, and congressmen in all 50 states. She urged each state to proclaim their own grandparents' day. Within 3 years, she had received grandparents' day proclamations from 43 states. She sent copies of the proclamations to Senator Randolph.

In February 1977, Senator Randolph, with the concurrence of many other senators, introduced a joint resolution to the Senate, requesting the president to issue annually a proclamation designating first Sunday of September after Labor Day of each year as national grandparents day. Congress passed the legislation, proclaiming the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day, and on August 3rd, 1978, then President Jimmy Carter signed the proclamation. The statute cites the day's purpose as, “To honor grandparents, to give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children's children, and to help children become aware of strength, information, and guidance older people can offer.”

Another Warm Thought: re: forget-me-not. The official flower of the U.S. National Grandparents Day is the forget-me-not, which blooms in the spring. Seasonal flowers are often given in appreciation to grandparents on this special day. God bless grandparents, and may God bless America and our world.

Warm Thoughts from the Little Home on the Prairie Over a Cup of Tea written by Dr. Luetta G Werner.

Published in the Marion Record, September 8th, 2011.

Download the Found Photo Freebie and cherish your memories of the past.

Enjoy flipping through the Vintage Photo Book on your coffee table.

I hope you enjoyed this podcast episode! Please follow along on this journey by going to visualbenedictions.com or following me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. You can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcast,Spotify,Stitcher, and Overcast. And don’t forget to rate and review so more people can tune in! I’d greatly appreciate it.

Till next time,

Trina

In the Warm Thoughts column of last week, we learned about what one learns when they go to kindergarten. Recently, I read an article entitled, “All I need to know, I learned from Noah's Ark.” I do not know the author of this gem, but I believe you'll enjoy it as we think about sending our children and grandchildren off to school and college.

All I need to know I learned from Noah's Ark. 1. Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark. 2. Stay fit - when you're 600 years old, someone might ask you to do something really big. 3. Don't listen to critics. Do what has to be done. 4. Build on high ground. 5. If mosquitoes are important enough to be saved, you are too. 6. For safety's sake, travel in pairs. 7. Speed is not always an advantage. The cheetahs were on board, but so were the snails. 8. If you can't fight or flee, float. 9. Be trusting and patient. The high waters always subside. 10. When the storms of life toss you about, let God do the steering. 11. Remember that the ark was built by amateurs and the Titanic was built by professionals. 12. If you have to start over, have your family by your side. 13. Learn some basic carpentry skills. You never know when they'll come in handy. 14. Remember that the woodpeckers inside are often a bigger threat than the storm outside. 15. No matter how bleak the situation may appear, there's always a rainbow to follow.

Have you ever wondered where Noah put the bees? I think they went in the archives. Get it? Arc, hives!

Rainbow Thoughts: When rain has showered the earth and light breaks through again, somewhere over the rainbow, a pot of gold lies hidden. The gold of love, of understanding, and the joy of giving, the gold of acceptance, without any question. Our goal to have and to hold, or to give others with love, because we care. Remember, it takes both rain and sunshine to make a rainbow.

Warm Thoughts from the Little Home on the Prairie Over a Cup of Tea written by Dr. Luetta G Werner.

Published in the Marion Record, August 20th, 1999.

Download the Found Photo Freebie and cherish your memories of the past.

Enjoy flipping through the Vintage Photo Book on your coffee table.

I hope you enjoyed this podcast episode! Please follow along on this journey by going to visualbenedictions.com or following me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. You can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcast,Spotify,Stitcher, and Overcast. And don’t forget to rate and review so more people can tune in! I’d greatly appreciate it.

Till next time,

Trina

Summertime, summertime, summertime. Good old summertime. Here it is, August, a time to reflect on summer joys and challenges. As an early riser, I have enjoyed the rising of the sun, the peaceful mornings listening to the birds sing, and as I write these lines, it is a foggy morning. A heavy dew is on the grass as one walks down the country lane. Soon school will begin, and many schools throughout the country are beginning classes earlier this year. As a lifelong learner, I look forward to these school days, and golden rule days. However, I may feel my age when grandchildren ask me. Grandma, what century were you born in?

This is a time to hike to the hills before school starts. What fun for families to picnic along the way? Sleep in tents, travel in the car in close quarters, a time to become firmly bonded before the fast paced schedules take over when back to school we go. August is a time when many families have their big family reunions. The Werner Clan extended, extended family, has always had their family reunions the 2nd Sunday in August. This year is the 60th anniversary, and they plan a really big celebration. The mother of all reunions, celebrating family. You can be sure there will be the babies there. The youngest and the oldest, and the oldies will have plenty of stories. You can be sure. I look forward to listening to the older and wiser men and women in the clan. One learns a lot from listening. Keep tuned. I will share with you, dear readers.

It is interesting what researchers are finding about the family. That family is the best reward. The researchers have learned that those who emphasize their family life over their careers end up with higher earnings. Those of us who already committed to our families realized long ago that a happy family is its own best reward.

Pioneer Proverbs: He who won't be advised won't be helped. The smart man knows how little he really knows. Have a great day. Learn something new each day.

Warm Thoughts from the Little Home on the Prairie Over a Cup of Tea written by Dr. Luetta G Werner.

Published in the Marion Record, August 9th, 1995.

Download the Found Photo Freebie and cherish your memories of the past.

Enjoy flipping through the Vintage Photo Book on your coffee table.

I hope you enjoyed this podcast episode! Please follow along on this journey by going to visualbenedictions.com or following me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. You can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcast,Spotify,Stitcher, and Overcast. And don’t forget to rate and review so more people can tune in! I’d greatly appreciate it.

Till next time,

Trina

Can it really be? August is here. June with its brief tranquil moments in July with its full moon and fireflies and celebration and holiday time is now a memory. August is time for the early harvest. Tomatoes ripening, the taste of roasting ears, new potatoes in the pot, fryers in the freezer, the aroma of baking bread and pies, and making pickles and preserves. August is vacation time with family before school starts. A trip to the mountains and hills, fishing by the lake, quiet brooks, streams, attending softball games, fair time, fun time, picnic time, more family celebrations and reunions, high school and college reunions, summer graduations, and for some moving on, moving on in life.

How delightful are those summer days? For some, it may be the sweetest season of the year, where one can enjoy perfect freedom while walking or relaxing by the beach or lake. Summer with its soft nights and cool dawns at sunsets. Soon, summer will be gone, and autumn in all its beauty will arrive. Autumn, the mellower season, often called Indian summer, August is a time to reflect on the beauty of the seasons of the year.

Warm Thought: Now is the high tide of the year, and whatever of life hath ebbed away, comes flooding back with a ripply cheer, into every bear inlet, and creek, and bay. James Russell Lowell.

Warm Thoughts from the Little Home on the Prairie Over a Cup of Tea written by Dr. Luetta G Werner.

Published in the Marion Record, August 4th, 1994.

Download the Found Photo Freebie and cherish your memories of the past.

Enjoy flipping through the Vintage Photo Book on your coffee table.

I hope you enjoyed this podcast episode! Please follow along on this journey by going to visualbenedictions.com or following me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. You can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcast,Spotify,Stitcher, and Overcast. And don’t forget to rate and review so more people can tune in! I’d greatly appreciate it.

Till next time,

Trina

My friend is celebrating another birthday and she wrote me and remembered that she too is having another birthday. She also wrote in detail about her senior moments. Our friendship has endured many years of joys and challenges. As time is fleeting so rapidly, each day is very precious, and I am reminded that today is the first day of the rest of my life. An unknown author helps us to be aware how special is today.

Celebrate and enjoy today. Today is here. I will begin with a smile and resolve to be agreeable. I will not criticize. I refuse to waste the valuable time God has given me. Today has one thing in which I know I am equal with others…time. All of us draw the same salary in seconds, minutes, and hours. Today, I will not waste time because the minutes I wasted yesterday are lost as a vanished thought. Today, I refuse to spend time worrying about what might happen. I'm going to spend my time making things happen. Today, I am determined to study and improve myself. For tomorrow, I may be needed, and I must not be found lacking. Today, I begin by doing and not wasting my time. In one week, I will be miles beyond the person I am today. Today, I will not imagine what I would do if things were different. I will make a success with what material I have. Today I will stop saying, “if I find time,” or “if I had time,” for I will never find time for anything. If I want time, I must make it. Today, I will act toward other people as though this will be my last day on earth. I will not wait for tomorrow, tomorrow never comes.

As we celebrate our birthdays each year, may we realize something important? The roses bloom and we don't want to miss them blooming. The birds sing, and we need to take time to listen. The sun is shining and we need to take the time to sit down and let it warm us. The world is rushing by, and we need to take the time to enjoy today.

Thank you, Bertha, for sending me the thoughts about yesterday. My heartfelt thanks to all the readers of this Warm Thoughts column who share their bits of wisdom. Bless you.

Yesterday. Put yesterday behind you. It's gone and won't come back. And we cannot see ahead, far down tomorrow's track. Enjoy the fleeting moments that come just for today. The sweet song of a bluebird, the morning sun's first ray. A warm and loving hand clasp, warm letters in the mail, a bunch of fragrant violets, rain splashing in a pail. Each day has something special, some joy or souvenir. It might be gone tomorrow, so enjoy it while it's here. Have a great day today.

Warm Thoughts from the Little Home on the Prairie Over a Cup of Tea written by Dr. Luetta G Werner. Published in the Marion Record, August 1st, 1999.

Download the Found Photo Freebie and cherish your memories of the past.

Enjoy flipping through the Vintage Photo Book on your coffee table.

I hope you enjoyed this podcast episode! Please follow along on this journey by going to visualbenedictions.com or following me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. You can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcast,Spotify,Stitcher, and Overcast. And don’t forget to rate and review so more people can tune in! I’d greatly appreciate it.

Till next time,

Trina

New billboards are getting attention in Arizona. Some folks have reported seeing one or two messages. The newspapers listed all of them. Here is a list of variations of the Godspeaks billboards. The billboards are a simple black background with white text. I have a dear friend who has retired to Arizona, and I wonder if she has seen a few of the messages.

Tell the kids I love them. Let's meet at my house Sunday before the game. Come on over and bring the kids. What part of thou shalt not, didn't you understand? We need to talk. Loved the wedding, invite me to the marriage. That love thy neighbor thing? I meant it. I love you, and you, and you, and you, and…Will the road you're getting on get you to my place? Follow me. Need directions? You think it's hot here? Do you have any idea where you're going? God.

The snowbirds who will be driving to Arizona to spend their winters may see some of these billboards. Families will be taking a trip before school and classes begin. Enjoy the summer with all the family activities.

A Summer Thought: Summer is when the children slammed the doors they left open all winter. Author unknown.

Warm Thoughts from the Little Home on the Prairie Over a Cup of Tea Written by Dr. Luetta G Werner. Published in the Marion Record, July 25th, 2002.

Download the Found Photo Freebie and cherish your memories of the past.

Enjoy flipping through the Vintage Photo Book on your coffee table.

I hope you enjoyed this podcast episode! Please follow along on this journey by going to visualbenedictions.com or following me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. You can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcast,Spotify,Stitcher, and Overcast. And don’t forget to rate and review so more people can tune in! I’d greatly appreciate it.

Till next time,

Trina

A real faithful reader of this Warm Thoughts column sent some real gems of thought which I used in a recent column. It was like a Christmas or birthday present to receive them. Today is my birthday, and I decided I would share with you some more of the thoughts she sent me. Thank you for the birthday gift. And the Christmas gift too, as it is Christmas in the summer at the little home on the prairie.

A good listener is not only popular everywhere, but after a while he knows something. Common sense is not so common. A gentle word like summer rain may soothe some heart and banish pain. What joy or sadness often springs from just the simple little things? Courage is resistance to fear mastery of fear, not absence of fear. Mark Twain. Form good habits. They are as hard to break as bad ones. Many men owe the grandeur of their lives to their tremendous difficulties. Spurgeon. The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it. Moliere. Not the cry, but the fight of the wild duck leads the flock to fly and follow. Chinese proverb. What we hope to do with ease, we must first do with diligence, Samuel Johnson. It isn't that they can't see the solution. It is that they can't see the problem. G.K. Chesterton. Responsibility educates. Wendell Phillips. If A equals success, then the formula is A equals x plus Y and Z, keeping your mouth shut. Albert Einstein. Anger does as much damage to the vessel in which it is stored as it does to anything upon which it is poured. No person, even the humblest sort, can be strong, gentle, pure, and good without the world being made better by the existence of that goodness. To be trusted is a greater compliment than to be loved. Do not keep the alabaster boxes of your love and tenderness sealed up until your friends are dead. Fill their lives with sweetness. Speak approving, cheering words, while their ears can hear them, and while their hearts can be thrilled and made happier by them. Good ideas need landing gear as well as wings. In the warmth of this summer, may you have many warm thoughts.

Warm Thoughts from the Little Home on the Prairie Over a Cup of Tea Written by Dr. Luetta G Werner. Published in the Marion Record, July 18th, 2002.

Download the Found Photo Freebie and cherish your memories of the past.

Enjoy flipping through the Vintage Photo Book on your coffee table.

I hope you enjoyed this podcast episode! Please follow along on this journey by going to visualbenedictions.com or following me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. You can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcast,Spotify,Stitcher, and Overcast. And don’t forget to rate and review so more people can tune in! I’d greatly appreciate it.

Till next time,

Trina