Warm Thoughts

In many parts of the country students are making preparations to return to the classroom and the books. My grandson, Trevor, is all excited about going to kindergarten. It is only recently that he graduated from Crayola College. His excitement about going to kindergarten has really rubbed off on his old grandma who lived in an era before kindergarten, and it took me all my first grade to write my long name.

Perhaps some of you have read the book, "All I Ever Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten." I'm not sure what year the author was born - he no doubt is a baby boomer who went to kindergarten. Anyway, here are some thoughts after reading his book. "Most of what I really need to know about how to live and what to do and how to be. I learned in kindergarten. Wisdom was not at the top of the graduate school mountain, but there on the sandbox at the nursery school. These are the things that I learned: Share everything. Play fair. Don't hit people. Put things back where you found them. Clean up your mess. Don't take things that aren't yours. Say you're sorry. Wash your hands before you flush. Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you. Live a balanced life. Learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day. Take a nap every afternoon. When you go out into the world, watch for traffic. Hold hands and stick together. Be aware of wonder. Remember the little seed in the plastic cup - the roots go down and the plants go up. And nobody really knows how or why, but we all are like that. Goldfish and hamsters and white mice, and even the little seed in the plastic cup. They all die. So do we. And then remember the book about Dick and Jane and the first word you learned, the biggest word of all - Look! Everything you need to know is in there somewhere. The golden rule and love and basic sanitation, ecology and politics and sane living. Just think of what a better world it would be if we all, the whole world, had cookies and milk at three o'clock every afternoon and then lay down with our blankets for a nap. Or if we had a basic policy in our nation, and other nations, to always put things back where we found them and clean up our own mess. And it is still true, no matter how old you are, when you go out in the world, it's best to hold hands and stick together."

I am really looking forward to how much I will learn from my grandchildren. As I will be listening to them tell the rest of the story. Enjoy precious memories listening to the children.

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 12th, 1999.

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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

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.

Barbara Johnson, a noted author and humorist, has written several books that give us off-the-wall humor and down-to-earth inspiration. She believes that laughter is good for the soul. She states that our five senses are incomplete without the sixth sense, a sense of humor. Humor is to life what shock absorbers are to automobiles. A sense of humor can help you overlook the unattractive, tolerate the unpleasant, cope with the unexpected, and smile through the unbearable. She states that, "Things will probably come out all right, but sometimes it takes strong nerves to watch. When the going gets tough. We got to get tougher." Some of her thoughts bring smiles and laughter. She tells us that a smile is a wrinkle that should not be removed. And there's a light in the window of the face that shows that your heart is at home. And if you look at the bright side of life, you will never have eyestrain.

More thoughts from Barbara: Frogs have it easy, they can eat what bugs them. Man cannot live by bread alone. He needs peanut butter too. The handwriting on the wall means that the grandchildren have found the crayons. She gives us a bit of inspiration for our journey through life. She states that "if you learn to laugh in spite of circumstances that surround you, you will enrich others, enrich yourself, and more than that, you will last.”

More Warm Thoughts: Life is easier than you think. All you have to do is accept the impossible, do without the indispensable, hear the intolerable, and be able to smile at anything. Laugh out loud and often.

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

Published in the Marion Record August 7th, 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

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.

The late A.W. Tozer once wrote about this daily habit of thanks and gratitude, he said that "this habit will cure a host of injurious evils. In our dispositions, self pity, resentment, murmuring faultfinding. All these will wither and die of themselves, for how can they grow inside a heart overflowing with gratitude and praise. Gratitude takes three forms of feeling in the heart and expression in words and a giving in return. A grateful heart is a parent of all virtues."

I have a friend who has been an inspiration to me throughout the years of my life. She keeps a daily gratitude journal and is very generous in writing thank you notes to friends. I have learned from her that a thankful and grateful heart is an attitude and expression of gratitude for the people and things that enrich your lives. She also encourages others to write these thank you notes to people while they are still living. It seems quite apparent that the attitude of gratitude is really meant to be a daily experience for everyone. How exciting and enriching our lives can be when we daily count our blessings and practice the attitude of gratitude.

Warm thought: "Gratitude is the memory of the heart." Jean-Baptiste Massieu. "Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul and the heart of man knoweth none more fragrant." Hosea Ballou. Counting blessings always shows a profit.

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

Published in the Marion Record July 24th, 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

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.

"Happy 70th birthday. Seasons come and seasons go. Soon you will reach the big 7-0. Our bones may ache and eyesight dim, it all depends on what's within. With faith and trust in God above and promise of His unchanging love. Whatever befalls us, we shall endure. He's always with us, that's for sure. We do not know what the future has in store. God grant us serenity, courage, wisdom and much more. We have so much to be thankful for - family, friends, health and daily bread. As homeward on our journey, we tread. We give our God all things and praise. May He continued to bless all our days."

Words of Wisdom: One who sees beauty in all things never grows old. To be 70 years young is sometimes more cheerful, than to be 40 years old. Oliver Wendell Holmes. Aging depends on your attitude. One should not worry about one's exact chronological age in reference to his ability to perform one's tasks. Thomas Jefferson. Count your age by friends, not years. Measure your life by smiles, not tears. Anonymous. I shall grow old but never lose life's zest because the road's last turn will be the best.

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

Published in the Marion Record on July 18th, 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

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.

A Letter. A letter is the warmest way to bid a friend the time of day. A "keep in touch" that brings the smiles across the very longest miles. And what a wealth of strength and hope is tucked inside an envelope, reminding loved ones that you are, at least in heart, not very far. In no country, state, or camp, or wealth beneath a postage stamp. For our memories that never age, are written down upon each page. And though it's nice to telephone, one of the sweetest pleasures that is known - our moments shared and thoughts we send that can be read and read and read again.

Recently I read that July 2nd has been designated as "I Forgot Day." It is a day when you make up and send to friends missed birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions. This just may be a good month to send that special letter or card of encouragement. You can be that caring friend and make someone's day.

Warm Thoughts: Friends are flowers in the garden of life. Anyone who makes our life better can be called a friend. My friends are my best treasure. The best part of life. Abe Lincoln. Thank you for being a caring friend.

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

Published in the Marion Record July 10th, 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

Did you celebrate America's birthday? Over 200 years have come and gone for our good, old USA. Many ceremonies come to mind as we remember celebrating Independence Day. As we reflect on the month of June, and Father's Day celebrations with family, my thoughts reflect on historical facts about the father of our country, George Washington. Recently I read Washington's prayer for our country. And I would like to share his warm thoughts for our country.

Washington's Prayer for Our Country: "I now make it my earnest prayer that God would have you and the states over which you preside in his holy protection. That He would incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government. To entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another, for their fellow citizens of the United States at large, and particularly, for their brethren who have served in the field. And finally, that He would dispose us all, to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility and specific temper of mine, which were characteristics of the divine author of our blessed religion. And without a humble invitation of whose example in these things, we can never hope to be a happy nation." George Washington.

In his guest book, "Sin and the New American Conscience," William A. Emerson Jr. states, "America is into some painful self knowledge, and we all feel it. America will always have struggles and this self awareness may be a good thing. I am very hopeful for the future of America."

Warm Thoughts: On guard then, O America, let nothing ever dim the flame of true democracy, nor steal the fervent hymn of liberty and justice and noble destiny. Again, we raise our thanks to God, America for thee. God Bless America and you.

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

Published in the Marion Record, July 6th, 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

It is that time of year when many patriotic thoughts arise as we see the flag flying high in the sky. I am very impressed in my travels to note where homes fly the flag on a daily basis.

There are special days of the year beginning with January 1st, when we fly the flag resolving to keep our nation free. On January 20th, it is Inauguration Day, February 12th - Lincoln's birthday, and February 22nd, Washington's day and also on Presidents Day in February. In April we have Army Day on April 6th. On Easter Sunday we proclaim our freedom source anew. In May we have Mother's Day and Memorial Day. June brings us Flag Day and Father's Day. July 4th is Independence Day, the birthday of our freedom. A day when those stars and stripes wave over the land of the free and the home of the brave. Labor Day is when our flag speaks for the workmen in our country. September 17th is Constitution Day. October 12th is Columbus Day - the day America was discovered. October 27th is Navy Day, when the flag floats on ship or shore. November we have Veterans Day, a day of thanks for our freedom. December 25th Is Christmas day, when we honor Him who came to give everyone healing liberty.

The American flag has the colors of red, white, and blue. Most national flags use one or combinations of seven basic colors. Red, white, blue, green, yellow, black, and orange. It was on June 14th, 1977 that Continental Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes Flag. Whoever the mother or father of this flag may be, we know it represents America the Beautiful and God Bless America.

Patriotic thought: On guard then, O America, let nothing ever dead, the flame of true democracy nor still the fervent hymn of liberty and justice and noble destiny. Again, we raise our thanks to God, America for thee. God bless America.

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

Published in the Marion Record June 27th, 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

When you read this warm thoughts column, Father's Day 1997 will be another memory. A dear Nebraska reader of this column sent me some thoughts on Father's Day - precious thoughts to ponder all year.

"How Fathers Mature." Four years: My daddy can do anything. Seven years: My daddy knows a lot, a whole lot. Eight years: My father doesn't quite know everything. 12 years: Oh, well, naturally, father doesn't know that either. 14 years: Father, hopelessly old fashioned. 21 years: Oh, that man is out of date. What did you expect? 25 years: He knows a little bit about it. But not much. 30 years: Maybe we ought to find out what dad thinks. 35 years: A little patience. Let's get dad's assessment before we do anything. 59 years: I wonder what dad would have thought about that. He was pretty smart. 60 years: My dad knew absolutely everything. 65 years: I'd give anything if dad were here so I could talk this over with him. I really missed that man.

The following thoughts were also written by a wise unknown author. "My Treasure." Dad, are you rich? Have you much more than the old man who lives next door? I nearly answered, "Why sonny, no. I haven't near as much to show." And then alas, I looked at him, recalled happy hours with my sonny, Jim. I heard his mother call and laugh as she turned in our homeward path. I thought of the work of which I'm part - old tasks to finish, new ones to start. I thought of joy with hosts of friends, in which the story of all work blends. Ah, dear child, there is no wealth, precious as happiness and good health. No treasures store in all the land compares with friendly heart and hand. When you and your mother laugh and sing, then I am richer than any king. I am rich. So Rich. Though he next door possesses the world, I have much more.

Warm thought: A child is not likely to find a Father in God unless you find something of God in a father. The finest gentleman I've ever known, and the most heroic soul, was my father. Daniel Webster. Have a great day.

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

Published in the Marion Record June 19th, 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 you read this column, it will only be a few days before Flag Day. I have often wondered if Old Glory could 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.

Some people call me "Old Glory." Others referred to me as the "Star Spangled Banner," or the "Stars and Stripes," but whatever they call me, I am your flag. I remember some time ago, people lined up on both sides of the street to watch a parade. And naturally, I was leading every parade, proudly waving in the breeze. What happened? I'm still the same old flag, but now I don't feel as proud as I used to be. When I come down your street, you just stand there with your hands in your pockets. Then I see the children running around and shouting. Is it a sin to be patriotic anymore? Have people forgotten what I stand for and where I've been?

Our flag was first raised on June 14th, 1777. And oh, it is more than a piece of cloth having a design of stars and stripes. It symbolizes the greatest nation on Earth. It has been the refuge of millions of oppressed people from everywhere. It has stood for freedom from want and fear. The red stripes symbolize hardiness and courage - the hardiness of the early pioneers, the courage of the common working man. The white stripes signify purity and innocence - the purity of the idealists who believe that each person is a child of God, and the innocence that strives for his right to be here. The blue field is indicative of vigilance, perseverance and justice - the vigilance to protect man's freedoms and perseverance that rejects all defeat and justice, the goal of free men everywhere. The stars unified on the field of blue embrace the 50 states as one, unified for the good of mankind and country. Honor her. Respect her. Defend her. Never let her enemies from within or without tear her down in the shameful defeat, lest she never rise again. Place God first, and others second. Then our nation will remain the bulwark of peace, freedom, and equal opportunity for all mankind. This is your flag. Let your heart salute her.

Warm and winsome thoughts: Dear friends, let us protect and respect our flag. A symbol that is so important, significant, and meaningful to those of us who love and honor and revere our country. Respect and protect our Old Glory.

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

Published in the Marion Record June 11th, 1998.

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

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.

It is such a joy to listen to the children, for they seem to be our master teachers. One boy, a fifth grader said, "Without my father, it would be like a ball without any air inside it." It seems that something in every child, no matter how old, yearns to be connected with his father in an affirming relationship. Their heartfelt responses can really warm your heart. A recent Gallup Poll brought out that 70% use very positive words like "great," "fantastic," "tremendous," "close," or "warm" in describing their relationship with their father. Dr. Ken Canfield, Director of the National Center on Fathering states, "Children, particularly when they are young, think their father is the smartest, richest and strongest man on earth. Research and the experience of fathers confirms this statement."

And how do we describe our children and our grandchildren? The sainted Erma Bombeck, who is famous for her column, "At Wit's End," wrote in an article which appeared in May 1977, that "bringing up children is like flying kites." The following are her warm thoughts: "I see children as kites. You spend a lifetime trying to get them off the ground. You run with them until you're both breathless, they crash, you add a longer tail. They hit the rooftop, you pluck them out of the spout. You patch and comfort, adjust, and teach. You watch them lift by the wind and assure them that someday they will fly. Finally, they are airborne but they need more string and you keep letting it out. With each twist of the ball of twine there is a sadness that goes with the joy, because the kite somehow becomes more distant and you know that it won't be long before that beautiful creature will snap the lifeline that bound you together. And soar as it was meant to soar, free and alone. Only then do you know that you did your job.

A bit of wisdom: The best things to give a child - roots and wings. H. Carter. There's just one way to bring up a child in the way he should go. And that is to travel that way yourself. Abraham Lincoln. Give your child or grandchild a hug!

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

Published in the Marion Record June 4th, 1998.

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