Warm Thoughts

The doors to the school of learning are now open throughout the country and homework assignments seem to fill our schedules. In my many files of thoughts, I found pearls of wisdom for students taken from creating a positive learning environment by Marly Ann Dahl. These pearls of wisdom can be shared for all lifelong learners.

"Wisdom is the reward you get for a lifetime of listening when you'd rather have been talking. The person risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing and is nothing. There are plenty of opportunities for attaining success, but none of them work unless you do. It's impossible to fail totally if you dare to try, better to do something imperfectly than do nothing flawlessly. The one battle most people lose is the battle over the fear of failure. Try start, begin, and you'll be assured you won the first round. The surest way not to fail is to be determined to succeed. One of the heaviest loads to carry in life may be a bundle of bad work habits. Never let a problem become an excuse. If it's going to be, it's up to me. The great dividing line between success and failure can be expressed in five words - I did not have time. Thinking is like loving and dying. Each of us must do it for ourselves. Experience is the name everyone gives to his mistakes. To learn, you must first want to be taught. Opportunity won't often knock for the fellow who doesn't give a rap. You are the sum total of all your thoughts. When people get stressed, they get rigid and do not change. Two reasons children and adults misbehave - they're bored and/or frustrated. If you can touch them, you can tolerate them. Distance promotes stereotypes, rigid behavior, and intolerance. The brain doesn't work when the heart is breaking. Happiness is always associated with an experience. Change is slow. A person will only change on their own day and in their own way. It is better to blow bubbles than to foam at the mouth. It is easier to change behavior than it is to change attitudes. It is easier to build a child than to repair an adult. People can fail many times, but they aren't a failure until they give up on themselves or blame someone else."

Do you have more pearls of wisdom to share? Thanks for sharing. May you have many warm thoughts on many warm 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 24th, 1998.

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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

Surprise! The Warm Thoughts column two weeks ago, on, "I've Learned," was favorably received by readers. It also brought me a four page email letter on more "I've learned." So here's a sequel to the first column:

"I've learned that you can get by on charm for about 15 minutes, after that, you'd better know something. I've learned that you shouldn't compare yourself to the best others can do, but the best you can do. I've learned that it's not what happens to us that's important. It's what we do about it. I've learned that it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be. I've learned that it may be easier to react than to plan ahead, but it's much less effective. I've learned that you can keep going long after you think you can't. I've learned that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel. I've learned that either you control your attitude or it controls you. I've learned that regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, passion fades and there had better be something stronger to take its place. I've learned that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences. I've learned that learning to forgive takes practice. I've learned that there are people who love you dearly, but just don't know how to show it. I've learned that money is a lousy way of keeping score. I've learned that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down will be the ones to help you get back up. I've learned that no matter how good a friend is, they are going to hurt you once in a while and you must forgive them for that. I've learned that it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others, sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself. I've learned that background and circumstances may have influenced who we are or who we become. I've learned that your life can be changed in a matter of seconds by people who don't even know you. I've learned that even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help. I've learned that the paradigm we live in is not all that is offered to us. And again, I've learned that I still have a lot to learn, and need to just keep on keeping on learning."

Make every day a celebration of life and learning!

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 17th, 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

September brings us Grandparents Day. Recently, I read some thoughts from, "Grandparents with Love and Logic," by Foster W Klein and Jim Fay. These thoughts are worth sharing about grandparenting in today's world.

"Today, grandparents tend to move toward the 21st Century with images of grandparents past: silver haired, slow talking, slow moving people biding their time in wooden rocking chairs on the front porch, contemplating the sunset through wire rimmed spectacles. They smile crinkly smiles and take out their teeth at night. Grandmothers crochet booties and make cookies while grandfathers whittle wooden treasures with jack knives. Their grandchildren walk over from across town, sit on the porch with them, admire the carving and munch on the cookies."

Each of us carries variations of their picture created in our own childhood. As we set zoom feature on our cameras to grandparenting present, we realize with shock how much the picture has changed. We travel around the world instead of crochet, or play golf instead of whittle. Some become grandparents long before they are ready for rocking chairs. Many of the grandchildren live half a continent away or wear strange, baggy clothes and radical color combinations and pierce their ears.

94% of older adults with children in the US have grandchildren. Half of these are great grandparents. Of the 54 million grandparents in the US, 26% are younger than age 55 only 38% are in their retirement years, over 65. The average grandparents has three or four grandchildren. Grandparents are living longer. From 1940 to 1980 the life expectation for a 40 year old woman increased by seven years, and the life expectancy of a 40 year old man by four years. What do these numbers mean? Grandparents are more important than ever. More adults than ever are living long enough to get to know their grandchildren and for their grandchildren to get to know them. The increase in longevity is giving their relationships the potential to become stronger and longer lasting. Children close to at least one grandparent are more emotionally secure than those without such a tie. Grandparents can provide this emotional security by listening, truly, listening to their grandchildren, refusing to compete in the acquisition of material possessions, giving their most valuable gift: time.

More heart to heart thoughts: Parents need to understand that the grandparent's role is sacred to the child, and they should do whatever they can to enhance that relationship. Kornhaber. Grandparents can do more for us than anyone else in the world. They sprinkle stardust in our eyes. Alex Haley. Happy Grandparents 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 September 10th, 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

It is always a joy to receive warm thoughts from readers. These special gifts can then be shared with the reading audience of this column. The column a reader once gave me entitled, "Count Your Blessings," received many comments, so it was very special this week to receive these additional thoughts on counting blessings from a special friend: "Count your garden by the flowers, never by the leaves that fall. Count your days by golden hours. Don't remember clouds at all. Count your nights by stars, not shadows. Count your years with smiles, not tears. Count your blessings not your troubles. Count your age by friends, not years."

Abraham Lincoln once said, "My friends are my best treasure, the best part of life." I recently heard someone say, "You are more than a friend. You are a blessing." "Friends are like flowers in the garden of life. A friend is like a sunbeam that can always warm your day and bring you endless treasures as you travel on life's way." William Ellery Channing once stated, "True friends have no solitary joy or sorrow." In my collection of thoughts on friends and friendship, I found this thought by John Addison, "Friendship improves happiness and abates misery by doubling our joy and dividing our grief." Coleridge describes friendship as "a sheltering tree." Friendship and friends are truly gifts.

The Gift of Friendship. Friendship is a priceless gift that cannot be bought or sold, but its value is far greater than a mountain made of gold. For gold is cold and lifeless. It can neither see nor hear, and in the time of trouble, it is powerless to cheer. It has no ears to listen, no heart to understand. It cannot bring you comfort or reach out a helping hand. So when you ask God for a gift, be thankful if he sends...not diamonds, pearls or riches, but the love of real, true friends." Thanks for being a friend!

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 30, 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

Recently, I read an article about how our attitude depends on what we eat and when we eat, as it has major impact on our performance and moods. We have heard often, "you are what you eat," according to Dr. Jack Grapple, a well known nutrition and fitness expert, he tells us how to have a better attitude. He states that we need to remember what your mother said about breakfast. Don't skip it. Grapple says no ifs, ands, and buts... eat breakfast. Breakfast is most important. He tells us why it is so important. "After a good night's sleep, your body is nearly devoid of glucose or blood sugar you need to replenish when you eat a proper breakfast, your cognitive abilities, your energy and your attitude are better. Cereals and grains are good, and even a little fat is okay."

He tells us that eating for attitude and energy is a day long project. The rule, according to Grapple, is simple: eat four or five small meals, not three big meals - a hearty breakfast, lunch and dinner is old thinking. To keep your metabolism up, your blood sugar from dropping and yourself energized, you need to eat a small breakfast, a healthy mid morning snack, a small dinner and a healthy snack. He even suggests certain foods for certain times of the day. For energy in the afternoon, for example, many people opt for a light lunch, like a salad. This is one of the worst things you can do, because when you eat carbohydrates, your body releases an amino acid called tritopan. "That amino acid," he says, "triggers a hormone that has a relaxing effect, not good if you have a busy afternoon planned, select a chicken sandwich on rye bread and skip the mayonnaise." He says the protein causes the release of amino acid tyrosine, another big word with the simple meaning energy. And what about that late night snack? Carbohydrates make you feel calm if you have to eat late eat carbohydrates, he concludesl.

Did you expect another Warm Thoughts column on attitudes? Thanks to Dr Jack grapple, a very well known nutrition and fitness expert, on the subject. I'd love to discuss this a little more with him. Yes, you guessed it, just over a cup of tea.

Warm thoughts: The remarkable thing is, we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for the day. We cannot change the past. We cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and this is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me, and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you. We are in charge of our attitudes. Charles Swindoll.

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

Published in the Marion Record July 23rd, 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

Recently, I attended a Quilt Fest at the Pioneer Hall in Freeman, South Dakota. There were 155 quilts displayed, and the featured quilter was a 94-year-old resident of the Salem home. Throughout her life, she has been involved in the making of hundreds of quilts, and love has turned the patterns into works of art. As I stood there by the Christmas quilt, the wedding ring quilt, and many others, there were many warm thoughts that flashed through my mind. In the many quilts I have given away in my lifetime, I have included this poem entitled "Warm Thoughts."

"Love is a quilt. A quilt is love, both love and quilt should be soft enough to comfort you, bright enough to cheer you, generous enough to enfold you, light enough to let you move freely, strong enough to withstand adversity, durable enough to last a lifetime and given gladly from the heart." Perhaps we can even say that God's love is a quilt - bright enough to cheer you and generous enough to enfold you and comfort you.

An unknown author has written these thoughts on "Another Comforter." "Overnight visits to Grandma's house were a whole new world. Grandma turning the crank on the butter churn, kneading yeasty homemade bread, ironing on the board placed between two chairs with a flat iron heated on the old wooden stove. Then bedtime came with the long truck up the stairs, strange noises, dark shadows. But grandma would always say, there's an extra comforter on the foot of the bed. What a haven. Just pull that comforter up over my head, and strange noises were shut out. Lurking shadows disappeared. No bright flashes of lightning could be seen, no cold chill could penetrate its warmth. But most of all, every hand stitched piece of that comforter radiated grandma's love and care. And grandma reminds me of God, not only did he send his son for our redemption, He went one step beyond and sent another comforter, a haven for every need, shelter, for every storm, light for our darkest days, healer of our deepest sorrows, and the warmth of his very own love.”

A Quilters Song, "Oh, give me a scrap bag filled to the brim with bright bits and pieces. So according to when I might make a rainbow or some butterfly wings, a mountain, a sunset and number of things, I thank you, dear Lord, and make quilts be your praise for the stitches and patches that brighten my days." Barbara Kraun.

More Warm Thoughts: Oh Lord, make the scraps of my life something useful. Stitch into my life your own design and use me as you will.

May you have many warm thoughts in the good ol summertime!

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 on July 22nd, 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

It was "Christmas in June" at the little home on the prairie. Family drove from various areas of America to celebrate together, a few weeks ago. The temperature was in the 70s. Instead of snowflakes, an occasional mosquito buzzed by and a few June bugs. No snow fell, but rain dashed on the tent where children played and slept nearby. Father Christmas, or Santa Claus, did not even arrive in a boat or a sleigh. However, everyone enjoyed the festive Christmas foods and picnic style, since family is widely scattered and work schedules prevent getting together on December 25. We gather together during good old summertime.

Family traditions and celebrations for holidays and every day are very important. It is a reminder of the good old days when extended families lived in close proximity and traditions were passed from generation to generation. Family means a sense of belonging and people you can count on to share their time and values and care about strengthening family ties. Yes, it was Christmas in June and not Christmas in July, as it had been in former years. Yet, there were the fireworks, the creative activities, the decorations and snow boots, the mama cat and her kittens, including little snowflake, were the joy of the grandchildren at play. The lighted Christmas tree at the top of the stairs has gifts under its branches all year long. What fun to open the surprise gifts and negotiate with one another. Laughter filled the Christmas tea room.

There is always that solemn moment when we know there will be goodbyes in the morning, when family returns to their homes. We closed with singing Silent Night in harmony while Auntie Ruth gracefully used her hands as we tried to read the words in the sign language. And oh yes, Trina, we did not forget the wise men and the star as its light shone so bright in the dark night that lighted star reminded us all that wise men and women still seek Him. The reason for all seasons.

"A house built with love becomes home. A house is built by human hands, a house is made of bricks, a home is built by human hearts. A home is made of love. Having some place to go is home. Having someone to love is family. Having both is a blessing. Happy is a home that is filled with love." Celebrate family all year long!

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 9th, 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

The month of July is a very special month. July has many reasons to celebrate! Though not widely known, it was on July 2nd, not July 4th, that the Continental Congress passed the resolution declaring the independence from the colonies. We celebrate Independence Day on July 4. Are you a celebrator? Having lived several years in the Fourth of July city, Seward Nebraska, Independence Day has very special memories for me.

Singing the Star Spangled Banner has inspired millions and moved many to tears. It has symbolized with the flag what it really does mean to be a loyal American. Are you aware that it was here in the state of South Dakota that the Star Spangled Banner received the first impetus, which eventually led to its adoption as our national anthem? I was very impressed when I first learned about the history of this stirring song. It all happened in 1892 when Colonel Calb H Carlton assumed command of the Eighth US Calvary Regiment at Fort Meade near Sturgis. Carlton writes in his memoirs that he and his wife discussed the fact that the United States had no official song. Mrs. Carlton suggested they do something about it. It was at Fort Meade that Colonel Carlton ordered his Calvary band to play the Star Spangled Banner at all parades and formations. He further states that all persons, including civilians, should rise respectfully, and all men not under arms would remove their hats. Colonel Carlton promoted the idea beyond his own South Dakota base, and consequently, the practice was adopted by other commanders. There was something patriotically contagious about the show of respect for the song and the flag it honored.

It was a one sentence bill that passed on March 3, 1931 and signed by President Hoover that designated the Star Spangled Banner as the National Anthem of the United States of America. The patriotic custom began in the Black Hills, and so it gives our national anthem its roots in South Dakota.

Patriotic Thoughts: Francis Scott Key, a lawyer, wrote the lyrics for our national anthem during the morning of September 14th, 1814, at the dawn's early light. He saw the American flag fly, and in a burst of patriotic fervor, He hurriedly penned the immortal words. We thank the father of our national anthem with renewed patriotism, let's celebrate Independence Day. Happy Independence 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, June 25th, 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

The first day of summer - good, old summertime is very near. Next Sunday is not only the first day of summer, but it is also Father's Day. In our own special way, we honor our fathers on this day. We have our very special memories. Many memories touched my heart as I read about the "Old Fashioned Daddy."

Daddy was from the Old School. "Daddy was from the old school. He learned his lessons well. He passed them on to me. I'm not ashamed to tell. Daddy was from the old school. He worked hard every day. He didn't want a hand out. With dignity, he earned his pay. Daddy was from the old school, a mixture of the right stuff. He knew how to be tender and he knew how to be tough. Daddy was from the old school. Big boys weren't supposed to cry. Sometimes he would slip...I'd see tears in his eyes. Daddy was from the old school. He never took the last piece of cake. He would always nod at me. I knew it was mine to take. Daddy was from the old school. His clothes lasted a long time. He bought me the latest, sometimes spending his last dime. Daddy was from the old school. He loved the American way. He believed in freedom and guarded it every day. Daddy was from the old school. I didn't understand it back then, but now I fully see he was teaching me how to win. Daddy was from the old school. I guess I am too, daddy. Thank you for the lessons I owe so much to you."

These may be tears in your eyes as you, too, read about the "Daddy from the Old School." "It takes a man to cry," is a thought not often expressed. Children are truly blessed by the wise actions of their fathers. Blessed be fathers who honor their responsibilities in guiding their families. A salute to fathers on Father's 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, June 18th, 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

When you read this column, it will be only 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 refer 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 am 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 14, 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 fifty states as one unified for the good of mankind and country. Honor her, respect her, defend her, never let her enemies from without or within tear her down in 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."

WarmThoughts from the Little Home on the Prairie Over a Cup of Tea written by Dr. 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