Warm Thoughts

Trina Harger

0.0 (0)
PERSONAL JOURNALS
UPDATED WEEKLY

Warm Thoughts is a podcast embracing nostalgia, self-reflection, and legacy. Join Dr. Luetta G. Werner (b. 1926-2016) as we revisit her weekly column written for her small town newspaper. Narrated by her granddaughter, Trina Harger, curator of visualbenedictions.com.

10 NOV

Episode 283: Thanks from the Heart

As I write these lines on Veterans Day, a time of remembrance, many warm thoughts come to mind. I can also remember past Veterans Day when we experience a blizzard, as we had yesterday. On this Veterans Day, I would like to share these prayerful thoughts with the readers of this Warm Thoughts column as together, we pay tribute to all those who served their beloved country. Thanks from the Heart. "They served and fought and died so that we might be safe and free. Grant them, O Lord, eternal peace and give them the victory. And in these days of unrest filled with grave uncertainty, let's not forget the price they paid to keep our country free. And so on this year's Veterans Day, we offer up a prayer - May the people of all nations be united in thy care. And grant us understanding and teach us how to live, so that we may lose our selfish pride and learn to love and give. And keep us ever mindful of the fighting men who sleep in Arlington and foreign lands, so we may ever keep the light of freedom burning in their honor through the years and hear their cry for peace on earth resounding in our ears. Forgive us our transgressions and O God, be with us yet, lest, in our pride and arrogance we heedlessly forget. From "Someone who cares." Those of us who've never served can't truly understand the sacrifice that you made protecting life and land. You were called from homes and jobs you never turn around. You did more than was asked of you in air, on sea, on ground. You gave for us in freedom's name. Till now, the time has come for us to give you in return a thank you, everyone. Yes, thank you from the heart. Let freedom ring! 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, November 19th 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

3 min
4 NOV

Episode 282: Years of Happiness

November. Can it really be November already? It seems, the year has its last flare of youth in October. In November, the earth folds its hands, hands that have been trained in the lesson of content and waits for that garment of snow. We have had some very beautiful autumn days this year...days for travel. No, I did not travel to Florida for that historic launch into space, but I did manage the trip to Nebraska, and while there, attended a 50th wedding anniversary of dear friends who live in Seward Nebraska, that Fourth of July City. It was so special to be able to share at that "Golden Celebration" a poem I wrote, and so I will share the poem with the readers of this Warm Thoughts column. "50 Years of Happiness. it may seem to you like yesterday, yet 50 Years have passed away. Since at the altar, you stood side by side a very young groom with his happy bride. And now your children's children stand, close gather round an eager band. You may recall with smiles and tears the joys and griefs of those 50 years. For you have known the cares of life, sweethearts you were as man and wife. Yet you have not loved each other less through those 50 Years of happiness. And now, as you are turning gray, you will trust in God, your guide and stay. He is your constant and unchanging friend, He'll lead you both to your journey's end." At a time when the average marriage is lasting seven years, it is certainly commendable that there are still some marriages who can celebrate that golden anniversary. Cheers to Les and Dorothy! More Warm Thoughts: Grow old with me. The best is yet to be! Browning. The glory of green grasses fades away like shadows in the quiet autumn night, the golden leaves descend like birds in flight and in them, squirrels, like children, run and play. May you have many warm thoughts these 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, November 5th, 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

3 min
28 OCT

Episode 281: Holiday Letters

The holidays are approaching so fast. Already, I am receiving those holiday letters, as I have a few friends who write their holiday letter about family in October. It seems that many people in this high-tech age no longer write those personal letters. Donald G Mitchell once wrote, "Blessed be letters. They are monitors. They are also the comforters, and they are the only heart talkers. 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 world of strength and hope is tucked inside an envelope, reminding loved ones that you are at least in heart and not very far in no country, state or camp, the wealth beneath a postage stamp. For memories that never age are written down upon each page, and though it's nice to telephone, one of the sweetest pleasures known are moments shared in thoughts we send that can be read and read again." An unknown author wrote the following thoughts, "The Letter You Did Not write. I meant to write, I really did. Each morn I'd say, 'Today, I'll get the pen and paper out and send that note away.' So many tasks, my day was full. The months flew swiftly by. Tomorrow I must write for sure. Each night fall, I would sigh. The sad thing is, I really cared. He meant so much to me. He was the dearest friend. I knew how close he'd grown to be, but then the years came crowding in. Somehow we drew part. Yet I so often thought of him and kept him in my heart. But now I cannot write to him. He's gone. He'll never know how much he's missed." If you have friends, please write and tell them so. To old friends everywhere, if you will, just sit down and write and tell them that you care. 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 29th, 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

3 min
21 OCT

Episode 280: The Nifty 90s

Recently, my friend celebrated her 91st birthday. She has had a very full life, but is experiencing life changes. One must part with things and make the necessary changes in life and living. We call it downsizing, when one moves from your home to an apartment and then to a room in a residential setting. In last week's column, I promised that I would share some thoughts about the nifty 90s. I must do this before these nifty 90s leave us for the next century. I wrote these thoughts in the 70s. Remember that bicentennial year, the poem has been published in the 1995 National Poetry anthology entitled, "Tomorrow Never Knows the Nifty 90s." "I can see myself in the nifty 90s, a shriveled and sprightly little old great grandma riding a motorcycle, speeding it up for the year 2000. I can see myself sailing on the seas on queen ships, flying on 921, jets through the skies, discussing politics and philosophy with my collegiate clan, recycling fableaux for the 21st Century. I can see myself still rocking little babies, running again to the hospital, carrying a baby buggy vase with fragrant blue forget me nots for another great grandchild." Warm, Aging Thoughts: "Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at 80 or 20. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young." Henry Ford. "I shall grow old, but never lose life's zest, because the road's last turn will be the best. As you pass through the years, you will find much calmness in your heart. It is the gift of age, and the colors of fall will be deep and rich if you let it happen. Chief Dan George. Celebrate life on these beautiful 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, October 22nd, 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

3 min
14 OCT

Episode 279: Life is Fun at 80

Recently, a few of my friends celebrated their 80th birthday anniversaries. It was a very special occasion where family and friends came for an Open House to celebrate life together. It is quite interesting that when I taught Gerontology classes that I called the 80s, "The Lively 80s." An essay entitled "Life Begins at 80," supports those warm thoughts. "Life begins at 80. I have good news for you. The first 80 years are the hardest. The second 80 are a succession of birthday parties. Once you reach 80, everyone wants to carry your baggage and help you up the steps. If you forget your name or anybody else's name or an appointment or your own telephone number, or promise to be three places at the same time, or can't remember how many grandchildren you have, you need only explain that you are 80. Being 80 is a lot better than being 70. At 70, people are mad at you for everything. At 80, you have a perfect excuse, no matter what you do. If you act foolishly, it's your second childhood. Everybody is looking for symptoms of softening of the brain. Being 70 is no fun at all. At that age, they expect you to retire to a house in Florida and complain about your arthritis, and you ask everybody to stop mumbling because you can't understand them. Actually, your hearing is about 50% gone if you survive until you are 80. Everybody is surprised that you are still alive. They treat you with respect just for having lived so long. Actually, they seem surprised that you can walk and talk sensible. So please, folks, try to make it to 80. It's the best time of life. People forgive you for anything if you ask me, life begins at 80." This essay was written by Frank Laubach. And so the birthday parties go on and on to the age of the nifty 90s. In recent weeks and in my travels, I have met many golden ages in the nifty 90s. I have met many golden ages in the nifty 90s who appear to be in the sparkling 70s. Next column will tell you a bit about those nifty 90s. Let's celebrate life every day of our lives! 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 15th, 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

3 min
7 OCT

Episode 278: Grandma & Grandpa

A recent article I read states that the United Nations General Assembly has designated 1999 as the "International Year of Older Persons." The theme will be "towards a society of all ages." This theme was chosen to promote the philosophy that societies should be inclusive in nature, should embrace all population groups, and share their resources equally. October 1st, 1998 will be the day that the UN launches its year long celebration, which is also the International Day of Older Persons, having its beginning in 1990. The United States Planning Committee for this unique year recognizes aging as multi-dimensional and spanning every individual's lifelong development. The importance and contribution of older persons to intergenerational richness, the heterogeneity of the older population, and it is concerned about the continuing poverty of many older persons and the necessity to provide adequate health care in the later years. The committee seeks to create opportunities for all of our citizens to understand, appreciate, and celebrate the contributions to nation, community, and family of older persons as citizens, caregivers, volunteers and workers. The committee is working to focus attention on the challenge to our nation to ensure that the increases in life expectancy are matched by the increased opportunities for older persons to find fulfillment to these years. It also recognizes education as an enterprise that is lifelong and takes place in many different settings. It is the mission of this committee to encourage thoughtful planning to intergenerational projects, seminars, discussion groups, and ethnic and cultural heritage programs in educational systems, corporations, religious organizations, and the public and private sector. So dear readers of this warm thoughts column, be looking for special events in our community and be an active participant in this year's honoring many of you! Grandma and Grandpa: I like to walk with grandma and grandpa. Their steps are short like mine. They don't say, "Now, hurry up," they always take their time. I like to walk with grandma and grandpa. Their eyes see things mine. Pebbles bright, a funny cloud, and hidden drops of dew. Most people have to hurry, they do not stop and see. I'm glad God made grandma and grandpa unrushed and young like me. Author Unknown. Celebrate towards a society of all ages all year! 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 8th, 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

3 min
23 SEPT

Episode 277: Pearls of Wisdom

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. 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

4 min
16 SEPT

Episode 276: Life & Learning

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

3 min

Warm Thoughts is a podcast embracing nostalgia, self-reflection, and legacy. Join Dr. Luetta G. Werner (b. 1926-2016) as we revisit her weekly column written for her small town newspaper. Narrated by her granddaughter, Trina Harger, curator of visualbenedictions.com.

Creator

Trina Harger
Years Active

2018 - 2025
Episodes

99
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Visual Benedictions
Show Website

Warm Thoughts