Warm Thoughts

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 one million Americans will help others on this Make a Difference Day. Can one person make a difference? We are aware that there have been many difference makers in history.

To name a few, we remember that Thomas Edison brought us out of darkness and into electric light. Henry Ford gave us the Model T. Eli Whitney gave us the cotton gin. Ben Franklin provided our biofocals. John Bunyan guided the progress of millions of pilgrims. Then there was Columbus, Lincoln, Beethoven, Einstein, and many others who make a difference. Our lives can be blessed by a caring community. I, personally, experienced this following a car accident that took six months of recovery. The outpouring of love and compassion was phenomenal. Over six hundred cards and prayerful letters of encouragement for a speedy recovery were received. Visits and telephone calls from all parts of the country. A surprise call even came from caring friends who live in Switzerland and England, one afternoon. I experienced a caring community with their points of light and how they certainly can light up one's life and make a difference. I'm very thankful for caring communities around the world. Whoever you are, and wherever you are, thanks for all your caring.

Warm Thoughts: Caring is the garden where love grows. The world is blessed by people who care. The impersonal hand of government can never replace the helping hand of a neighbor. Hubert H. Humphrey. A little time to care for others, a little time to share with others - that's what makes someone like you so nice to know and to be with too. Helen Steiner Rice. Don't forget, October 26th is national "Make a Difference Day."

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

Published in the Marion Record October 17th, 1996.

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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

It is very interesting to know that in a recent survey that was taken, 75% of the people believe that a positive mental attitude can snap one out of depression. Throughout the ages, great men have shared with us some very good words of wisdom and positive thoughts. And so this week, I have selected some of those thoughts for this column.

"If I tell you the truth, you don't have to remember anything." Mark Twain. "The only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve." Dr. Albert Schweitzer, African missionary. "To accomplish great things we must not only act, but also dream, not only plan, but also believe. Anatole France. "The beauty of memory is that it still sees beauty when beauty has faded." Paul Boese. "The best thing about the future is that it comes only one day at a time." Abraham Lincoln. "That's the beauty of making a mistake. Because you don't have to make it a second time." Thomas Edison. "The Art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook." William James. "To err is human to forgive, divine." Alexander Pope. "To profit from good advice requires more wisdom than to give it." John Churton Collins. "I expect to pass through life but once. If therefore, there'll be any kindness I can show or any good thing I can do to my fellow beings, let me do it now and defer it as I shall not pass this way again." William Penn.

If you had been questioned in the survey, what would have been your thoughts? I would love to hear from you. Warm thought: In the same way as you cultivate a garden you can cultivate a positive attitude. May you have many warm and positive thoughts!

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

Published in the Marion Record October 10th, 1996

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

As I turn the calendar to October, one realizes the season of fall is really here. It is one of the most beautiful seasons of the entire year. It is the time of the bright blue skies, the cool nights, frost in the air, beautiful sunsets, and many warm thoughts come to mind. Recently, a poem I wrote on Autumn Thoughts was published by Lifelines Magazine, and I will share these thoughts with you, my faithful readers of this column.

Autumn Reflections. The glory of green grasses fades like shadows into the night. Leaves fall gracefully on parched ground, making a golden blanket. Squirrels running through trembling trees like playful children among the soft, rustic leaves. Singing birds have disappeared, like eagle feathers on wasted woodlands. Pine cones fall from shaking branches, making music on the autumn eve. Gentle sounds of music come from campfires near the mirrored lake, mountains fade as the brilliant sky sweeps across the hills. Brown forests vanish like sunset from the crimson pyramids. Beauty loves contentment. Peaceful thoughts come with the sylvan autumn setting. Gone is autumn. Winter and downy flakes of snow have covered autumn leaves and made a velvet carpet.

Warm thoughts: As we walk through the autumn of our lives, for some, the footsteps may be slower. May they know the way better. Have many warm thoughts on autumn days!

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

Published in the Marion Record October 3rd, 1996

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

Recently, one of the readers of this column from Texas sent me an article entitled, "We are Survivors: Consider the changes we've 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. We were before television, before penicillin, before polio shots, frozen foods, xerox, contact lenses, frisbees, and the pill. We were before radar, credit cards, split atoms, laser beams and ballpoint pens. Before pantyhose, dishwashers, clothes dryers, electric blankets, air conditioners, drip-dry clothing, and before man walked on the moon. Bunnies were small rabbits and rabbits were not Volkswagens. We were before daycare centers, group therapy, and nursing homes. We never heard of FM radio, tape decks, electric typewriters, artificial hearts, word processors, yogurt, and guys wearing earrings. For us time sharing meant togetherness, not computers or condominiums. A "chip" meant a piece of wood. "Hardware" meant "hard wear" and software wasn't even a word. In our day, grass was mowed, coke was a cold drink, and pot was something you cooked in. Rock music was grandma's lullaby and pizzas, McDonald's, and instant coffee were unheard of. We thought fast food was what you ate during Lent and outerspace was the back of the local theater. We hit the scene when there were five and ten stores where you bought things for five and ten cents. The corner drugstore sold ice cream cones for a nickel or a dime. For one nickel, you could ride a street car, make a phone call, buy a Pepsi, or enough stamps to mail one letter and two postcards. You could buy a new Chevy coupe for $600, but who could afford one? A pity too, because gasoline was only eleven cents a gallon. And we got married first and then lived together. And we are the last generation that was so dumb as to think you needed a husband to have a baby. But we survived.”

Warm Thoughts: Seasons change and so do people. For me, managed change quite literally meant survival. Terry Anderson. May you have many warm thoughts every day.

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

Published in the Marion Record September 26th, 1996.

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

American history comes alive when one visits presidential libraries and museums. A recent visit to the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum in Iowa proved to be very interesting. Reading some of the quotes from his speeches at that time in the history of our country - the Great Depression, was very enlightening. On the lighter side, he wrote an essay which I would like to share with you at this time.

"What is a boy? You can absolutely rely on a boy if you know what to expect. A boy is nature's answer to false belief that there is no such thing as perpetual motion. A boy can run like a deer, swim like a fish, climb like a squirrel, balk like a mule, bellow like a bull, eat like a pig, or act like a jackass according to climactic conditions. The world is so full of boys that it's impossible to touch off a firecracker, strike up a band, or pitch a ball without collecting a thousand of them. Boys are not ornamental, they're useful. If it were not for boys, the newspapers would go undelivered and unread, and 100,000 picture shows would go bankrupt. The boy is a natural spectator. He watches parades, fires, fights, football games, automobiles, and planes with equal fervor. However, he will not watch a clock. A boy is a piece of skin stretched over an appetite. However, he eats only when he's awake. Boys imitate their dads in spite of all efforts to teach them good manners. Boys are very durable. A boy if not washed too often, and if kept in a cool, quiet place after each accident will survive broken bones, hornets nests, swimming holes, and five helpings of pie. Boys love to trade things. They'll trade fish hooks, marbles, broken knives and snakes for anything that is priceless or worthless. When he grows up, he'll trade puppy love, energy, warts, bashfulness, and a cast iron stomach, for a bay window, pride, ambition, pretence, and a bald head. And will immediately begin to say that "boys aren't what they used to be in the good old days." Herbert Hoover.

Warm Thoughts: I have had every honor to which any man could aspire. There is no place on the whole earth except here in America, where all the sons of man can have this chance in life. Herbert Hoover. Have a great day. Enjoy the autumn of the year!

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

Published in the Marion Record September 25th, 1997.

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

When many of you will be reading this warm thoughts column, the season of fall we'll be here. Of all the seasons of the year, autumn is a favorite season for many people. It is one of the most colorful seasons of the year - an artist's paradise. The bright blue skies, frost in the air, beautiful sunsets, hot summers - many warm thoughts come to mind. Autumn is a season that has inspired many artists authors and poets. Samuel Butler states that "Autumn is the mellower season and what we lost in flowers we more than gain and fruits."

It seems this year has gone faster than normal, my friend mentioned to me very recently. I'd like to share the thoughts of another author on how fast the year passes along life's way. "So the year passes. Earth spins, rain fall, nights come, stars shine. Whether I stop to notice or rush blind by, and time when it touches me weighs heavy. So much to do, so much done. What is gained is lost, what is lost is found again...or not as sometimes happens. Well, life. Here we are, and this green leaf will be brown next year. I offer it to you as tithe for the time given us and for the mystery movements of stars and sky." Saara Litzsky.

Enjoy the tangy fragrance of autumn. Leaves changing their green of summer for flaming red, yellow, and brown. Blue haze on the distant hills. The large harvest moon shining on rows of corn stalks and pumpkins, where a country road meanders and the glorious sunsets in the autumn time of year. Another Warm Thought: As we walk through the autumn of our lives, for some, the footsteps may be slower - they may know the way better. Have many warm thoughts on autumn days!

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

Published in the Marion Record, September 18th, 1997.
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

Every year at this time I am reminded by letters I received about International Hug Day. This year, it is September 17th. It is rather interesting that it is a week later than Grandparents Day. The National Grandparents Day is the second Sunday in September every year.

As a great grandmother and support person for the grandparents around the country, I'm becoming more aware each day that we are the "ancestors." There are so many things that only grandparents can contribute. They give of their talents and skills, are able to tell those family stories, and listen to their grandchildren with patience and unconditional love. A recent article I read mentioned that grandparents today are rearing their children's children at an alarming pace. Over 32 million American children live with their grandparents. This is an increase of nearly 40% In the past decade. Other statistics mentioned that grandparents spend $30 billion dollars annually on their grandchildren. This is through telephone calls, travel, restaurant meals, and gifts. Two thirds visit their grandchildren regularly. Even those who don't live nearby. Dr. T Berry Brazelton states, "Children who have the luxury of relationships with grandparents win out in all studies of child development. The opportunity to experience multiple models while learning about life adds significantly to the child's potential."

Grandparents - have you hugged your grandchildren today? And grandchildren remember to give that special grandparent a hug, too. Warm Thought: The old are the precious gem in the center of the household. Chinese Proverb. Remember International Hug Day!

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

Published in the Marion Record, September 15th, 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

Many families travel before the school year begins. I love to hear about the interesting places family and friends see on their travels throughout the country. A dear friend recently related the precious moments their family experienced at the Precious Moments Chapel, which is nestled among the dogwood in the beautiful meadows of the Ozarks in Carthage, Missouri. The sanctuary of the chapel is filled with many scenes depicting stories from the Bible. This Precious Moments Chapel is the realization of a dream that was born in the heart of one of America's most famous artists, Samuel J. Butcher.

The artist, Sam Butcher, was born in Jackson, Michigan on New Year's Eve of 1939. He was a third of five children who grew up in a very poor family. Most of Sam's childhood days were spent drawing and sketching under the dining room table. at a very early age, his talent was recognized by both family members and friends. Because his family was poor, drawing materials were hard to come by. So Sam's favorite place as a child was a factory dump near his home, where he would search for rolls of paper to draw. One of Sam's fondest memories was when his grandmother would tell him Bible stories. He always had a deep interest in spiritual things and even from his earliest childhood, he painted scenes from the Bible. Sam was encouraged by his teachers during his school years. It was in 1974 that Sam created his first Precious Moments drawing. It was in 1975 when precious moments was introduced to the public. The Precious Moments Chapel was completed in 1989 and thousands of visitors have come to visit the chapel. This chapel is one of the nation's most inspirational attractions.

Thanks dear friend for sharing your visit to the precious moments chapel in your travels. Warm thoughts: Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift. That's why we call it the present and celebrate life. Share precious moments in your journey through life.

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

Published in the Marion Record August 28th, 1997.

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 high school teacher in Houston asked her students, "What advice would you give your mom and dad?" She surveyed 300 teenagers. Those who responded represent a healthy cross section of ethnic groups, ages, academic achievements, and home/life environments.

Some of the answers make one laugh and others make one think: "Don't allow your child to bring company into the house unless you know them personally. Look for things that are good about your children instead of constantly finding ways to put them down. Don't tell your children the things they do are stupid. Teach kids to take care of their things and to look out for their siblings. Accept the fact that adults are not always right - if you're wrong, admit it. Don't put too much pressure on your kids to excel. Understand they're young and need to enjoy life. Teach your children that a true friend will understand that when you say "no," you mean "no." Don't hold the past against your child. What happened? It cannot be changed. Turn the TV off and talk to your children. You can't carry on a good conversation if you're constantly worried about your show. Get involved in school activities. Acting concerned is not enough. You need to show your concern by getting involved. Teach your kids manners like how a lady sits and how a gentleman opens the door for a lady. Introduce your children to extra activities. Teach your children right and wrong and that each action brings either a bad consequence or reward. When they do right, reward them and when they do wrong, punish them. Never force your child to choose one parent over the other." The free advice from teenagers was for their parents. Their comments made some valid points to think about as another school year is about to begin in many areas throughout the country.

Warm Thought from a letter: There is a destiny that makes us brothers, no one goes his way alone. All we send into the lives of others comes back into our own. Edwin Markham. Have a great day, make it a good one!

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

Published in the Marion Record August 21st, 1997.

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

When I went to the one room country school as a child, I learned many pioneer Proverbs, or adages, which according to an old Webster's dictionary is "an ancient proverb." The adage I learned about weather, I thought perhaps was based on scientific fact. When the rooster crows at night, he tells us rain is in sight. Swallows fly high - clear blue sky, swallows fly low - rain, we shall know. The adages we learned are part of our American heritage.

It was interesting for me to read about the teacher who asked her class to write some original thoughts on those ancient adages. Perhaps you may feel the students deserve an "A" for their originality. Here are a few of their thoughts: The grass is always greener when you remember to water. A Rolling Stone plays the guitar. A bird in the hand is a mess. No news is no newspaper. It's better to light one candle than to waste electricity. It is always darkest just before I open my eyes. We have nothing to fear but our own principal. If you can't stand the heat, go swimming. Never put off till tomorrow what you should have done yesterday. A penny saved is nothing in the real world. The squeaky wheel gets annoying. To err is human, to eat a muskrat is not. I think, therefore I get a headache. Laugh and the world laughs with you. Cry and someone yells "shut up." There is nothing new under the bed. Don't count your chickens - it takes too long. A journey of 1000 miles begins with a blister. Early to bed and early to rise is the first in the bathroom.

Do you recognize the old pioneer proverb or adages of long ago? "Early to Rise." I remember being told what would happen if you went to bed early. "Early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise." Many words of wisdom in those ancient proverbs of long ago. Those adages may change with the changing times. Warm Thoughts: men occasionally stumble over the truth but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing happened. Winston Churchill. Do you have an adage to share?

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

Published in the Marion Record on August 14th, 1997.

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