Warm Thoughts

Trina Harger

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Personal Journals
Updated fortnightly

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.

1 day ago

Episode 304: Time with Family

The month of June brings families together. There are still graduations, showers, weddings, birthday celebrations, wedding anniversaries, and it is the month for Father's Day. Togetherness can strengthen the family ties. The summer is a time to do some summer reading as a family. Perhaps at the dinner table, read something out loud to your family. Tomorrow night, another member of the family can read something. A news story, a poem, history or humor, anything really. Each night, a different family member can read a selection or share something they have read. Imagine the wide range of subjects your family would read in the 365 days of the year. It is an enriching experience and it doesn't cost a dime. It is predicted that more families will be traveling by car this summer rather than fly. Have you ever been to the little town on the prairie at DeSmet, South Dakota? Last year, I was privileged to attend the Laura Ingalls Wilder pageant in the Natural Prairie Stage setting. It is a great family experience. I understand the theme this year is Prairie Patchwork. People from all over America and even other countries attend the pageant and all the activities one will experience. The outdoor drama is based on the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder, whose writings provided the inspiration for TV's Little House on the Prairie. The Wilder pageant is a family oriented outdoor drama. It is a live performance with all characters from the DeSmet area. Laura narrates the story reflecting on her life at DeSmet, South Dakota in the 1800s. After attending the pageant, I personally felt a deeper appreciation of the joys and hardships that challenged our ancestors when settling in the prairie. This year, the dates for the pageant are June 28, 29th, and 30th, and in July, they are July 5th, 6th, 7th, 12th, 13th, and 14th. The gates open at 7 p.m. You will want to go sooner so you will see the schoolhouse where Laura taught and other buildings and enjoy some rides. A real fun family experience. From a friend in Florida came these thoughts: “Where there is love, the heart is light, where there is love, there is a song. To help when things are going wrong, where there is love, there is a smile, to make all things seem more worthwhile. Where there is love, there is a quiet peace, a tranquil place, where turmoils cease.” Thought for the day: When someone can't smile, give them yours. 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 20th, 2002. Download the Found Photo Freebie and cherish your memories of the past. Enjoy flipping through the Vintage Photo Book on your coffee table. I hope you enjoyed this podcast episode! Please follow along on this journey by going to visualbenedictions.com or following me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. You can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcast,Spotify,Stitcher, and Overcast. And don’t forget to rate and review so more people can tune in! I’d greatly appreciate it. Till next time, Trina

3 min
9 Jun

Episode 303: How Father's Day Began

It is interesting to know that Father's Day, which this year will be celebrated on June 16th, was, ironically, inspired by a Mother's Day sermon. Mrs. John Bruce Dodd, a Spokane Washington artist, is credited with fostering Father's Day. She got the idea while listening to her minister deliver an impassioned sermon on motherhood. Mrs. Dodd's mother had died young, so her father had to raise 6 children alone. As she listened to the minister, praise mothers for the hardship they endured in raising their children and tending to all the family needs. She reflected on her father's sacrifices, and speculated that there must be other fathers whose similar sacrifices went unrecognized. In a letter to the president of the Spokane Ministerial Association, Mrs. Dodd proposed a day to honor fathers. She suggested June 5th, her father's birthday, the association approved the idea, and the Spokane YMCA publicized it. However, the suggested date didn't allow the ministers enough time to prepare sermons, so the celebrated was scheduled for the 3rd Sunday in June. Thursday on June 19th, 1910. Spokane became the 1st city to honor fathers with a special day. A strong push for the National Father's Day came from Harry C. Meek, a president of the Uptown Lions Club of Chicago. Through the lions, or though the lions crowned him the originator of Father's Day, Meek admitted that the idea 1st occurred to him in 1915. 5 years after Mrs. Dodd's suggestion. He suggested it in speeches before several Lions Clubs, and the idea caught on. The following year, President Wilson's participation in Father's Day ceremony by pressing the button in the nation's capital which unfurled the flag in Spokane. Despite this national gesture, many sections of the country did not take part. President Coolidge also showed interest in creating a national day to establish more intimate relations between fathers and their children while in office. And in 1936, the National Father's Day committee was formed in New York City to promote the celebration actively on the national level. It was in 1957 that Senator Margaret Chase Smith stated that the official recognition of Mother's Day required that Father's Day receive the same honor. She stated that, “Congress has been guilty now for 40 years of the worst possible oversight, to say the least, perpetuated against the gallant of fathers, young and old of our land,” she said in her proposal. It was in 1972, the long wait for a national recognition came to an end when President Nixon signed the congressional resolution giving Father's Day the same status as Mother's Day. And so, now we know the rest of the story about Father's Day. Celebrate Father's Day, 2002. 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 13th, 2002.Download the Found Photo Freebie and cherish your memories of the past. Enjoy flipping through the Vintage Photo Book on your coffee table. I hope you enjoyed this podcast episode! Please follow along on this journey by going to visualbenedictions.com or following me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. You can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcast,Spotify,Stitcher, and Overcast. And don’t forget to rate and review so more people can tune in! I’d greatly appreciate it. Till next time, Trina

3 min
2 Jun

Episode 302: Children's Day

The 2nd Sunday in June is children's day. The following Sunday we celebrate Father's Day. A great deal of concern has been focused on our children as the dawn of a new century is fast approaching. Children who have graduated this last year in the 20th century are told that they will be shaping the next century. What a challenge for our children and our grandchildren. Many years ago, an author by the name of Dorothy Law Nolte wrote these thoughts about children and what they learn from those around them. Children learn what they live. If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn. If children live with hostility, they learn to fight. If children live with ridicule, they learn to be shy. If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty. If children live with tolerance, they learn to be patient. If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence. If children live with praise they learn to appreciate. If children live with fairness, they learn justice. If children live with security, they learn to have faith. If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves. If children live with acceptance and friendship, they learn to find love in the world. Children are our teachers. They walk with us, or push us, through a process of purification to our own maturity. How can we respect and honor this gift? I am reminded of what former First Lady, Barbara Bush, stated in a graduation speech. She said, 100 years from now, it will not matter what your bank account has, or what sort of house you lived in, or the kind of car you drove. But the world may be different because you were important in the life of a child. Celebrate the gift of a child on children'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 10th, 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

2 min
19 May

Episode 301: Praying for Rain

It is gardening time. It was a beautiful spring day when 6 year old grandson Trevor and his old grandma decided to plant the garden and then plant flowers in the flower pots. Trevor patiently helped plant the potatoes, better boy tomatoes, carrots, and broccoli. After the completion of the gardening project, we watered the garden. I suggested to Trevor that if it did not rain, he could pray for rain for the planted garden. His reply was immediate and very emphatic. “Grandma, I will leave that job up to you.” And believe me, this grandma is thankful for answered prayer as rain from heaven watered at the planted garden. Today is National Day of Prayer. The emphasis this year is to pray for our leaders. People everywhere have become more aware of the power of intercessory prayer. The National Day of Prayer has been an American tradition since the Continental Congress 1st declared its need for godly wisdom in 1775. In 1988, the law set the day as the 1st Thursday in May. Thanks, dear readers, for the Easter messages and letters. Your words of encouragement bless my day. Encourage your family and friends in their prayer ministry. A dear friend wrote me with her Easter message that she has now become involved in a prayer ministry in her church. And a prayer warrior she has become because someone has given her a word of encouragement. Her prayerful thoughts were published in decision magazine on page 40…. “The Quiet Heart.” Struggling with feelings of aggravation, irritation, frustration, indignation, resignation. I went outside to pray. A yellow crocus seemed to say, with shouts of proclamation. Crucifixion, resurrection, redemption, jubilation, He's alive, and I'm forgiven. Written by Maxine Kelly from Lincoln, Nebraska. Warm thoughts: If you pray for another, you will be helped yourself. Yiddish proverb. For more of our nation's life is shaped by prayer than is formed by legislation. The single most important action contributing to whatever health and strength there is in our land. Is prayer. May the month of May bring you many warm and prayerful thoughts! Warm Thoughts from the Little Home on the Prairie Over a Cup of Tea Written by Dr. Luetta G Werner. Published in the Marion Record, May 4th, 2000.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
5 May

Episode 300: Dear Daughter,

When you read this warm thoughts column, it will be just a couple days before Mother's Day. Many families will be together on this special family day honoring their mother. Recently, I read an essay, a letter a mother wrote to her daughter. It touched my heart and no doubt will be taped on a kitchen cabinet or refrigerator. And so I will share it with you, my readers. Dear daughter, although you are only 4 years old and will not understand what I am saying, I feel the need to write this letter and put it away for you to read many years from now. When you were an infant, and the newness of being a mother wore off, I couldn't wait until you grew up. At 1st I found myself wishing, if only she would start walking. And then, if only she would start talking. One day, I suddenly realized that you were out of diapers. You were indeed walking and talking, and pretty soon you would be going off to school. I remember the morning your father and I brought your baby sister home from the hospital. You and I had been apart 6 days. When the door opened, I saw you standing there with your angel smile. You seem so big compared to the baby I was holding in my arms. It was hard to imagine you were once that small. I suddenly realized how much of your babyhood I had wished away. Being a mother is demanding. It robs you of so many freedoms, and I resented the fact that I had so many added responsibilities. And then I looked down at your soft curls and your trusting eyes. Suddenly, I felt ashamed. My heart almost broke. I cannot relive those first 4 years, but I have been trying to make them up to you. And to myself. I hope and pray that when your first child is born, you will be wiser and more mature than I was. I hope you will enjoy every phase of your child's growing up, and not wish they would hurry and pass, so you could be free of the burdens of motherhood. You and I will have our share of heated words and angry battles in the years to come. There will be days when we will find it impossible to please each other. I will secretly wish that you would hurry and graduate from high school so I could send you off to college and be rid of you. Life rushes by all too rapidly. My darling daughter, especially the lovely days and the beautiful times. Be smarter than your mother was. Don't let a single moment slip away, unsavored or unappreciated. These days are priceless and afford you the greatest opportunities for fulfillment. Never again will your heart be so full. All my love, mother. Warm thought. Cherish each moment with your children and your grandchildren. Happy Mother'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, May 1st, 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 Apr

Episode 299: Little Pleasures

This is the last day of April. The month of April has been national poetry month. It is interesting that a dear friend in Florida sent me in the mail an original poem she wrote on her birthday. It is such a joy to be able to share with the readers of this warm thoughts column, the gems of thought and poetry. So thanks, Sarah Gray, for her precious thoughts. Little pleasures. Oh, the joy of little pleasures tucked away in memory's treasures. Hummingbirds and butterflies, the clear blue of summer skies. Fragrant flowers wet with dew, prism colors of rainbows hue. Baby's breath, and baby's soft skin. Little drools on baby's chin. Baby smiles, and babies coos, The things that make baby book news. A pretty card with words that rhyme. The distant peal of church bells chime. Quiet time, a good book, heads that turn for a second look. Time spent together, small talk, an afternoon nap, or an afternoon walk. A smile exchanged over a cup of tea, A confidence confided just to me. A box of chocolate, a compliment, when most needed, heaven sent. The peaceful calm of a gentle breeze, I sense God's touch in all of these. A phone call, a visit from a friend, Little pleasures just never end. This past week, poetry took precedence over politics at the White House. President Clinton and First Lady, Hillary Roddam Clinton, hosted the present and two past poets laureate. The trio read from the Legacy of American Poetry. The event is a third in a series of presidential millennium evenings designed to showcase the views of scholars and artists as the century closes. Thanks again, dear readers, for sharing your warm thoughts. More warm thoughts: How beautiful a day can be when kindness touches it. Remember, the first Thursday in May is National Day of Prayer. May you have many warm thoughts in this post-Easter season. 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, April 30th, 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 Apr

Episode 298: Be a Kid Again

Last week, we learned some thoughts from the kids and computers. In the past, I've received some interesting comments from my readers in my peer group who are having a growing edge with all of this computer technology. I have been reading some perspectives on aging and how to be a kid again. And so I will share these thoughts found on the internet…perhaps it is the 1st draft. Be a kid again. Dot all your i's with smiley faces. Sing into your hairbrush. Grow a milk mustache. Read the funnies. Throw the rest of the paper away. Dunk your cookies. Step carefully over sidewalk cracks. Try to get someone to trade you a better sandwich. Give someone a hug around the neck. Blow the wrapper off a straw. Refuse to eat crust. Make a face the next time somebody tells you no. Ask why a lot. Have someone read you a story. Wear your favorite shirt with your favorite pants even if they don't match. Eat dessert first. Put an orange slice in your mouth, peel side out, and smile at people. Remember to say your prayers. Ride a roller coaster 2 times in a row. Run through the sprinkler with all your clothes on. Lick all the cream out of an Oreo before you eat the cookie part. Eat just the chocolate stripe out of your Neapolitan ice cream. Start thinking now about what you want for your next birthday. Lie on your back in a field and look at the pictures in the clouds. Make a slurping sound with your straw when you get to the bottom of a drink…found on the internet. And don't forget to say your prayers. One more closing thought: international walk day is April 30. On that day, leave your car at home, walk wherever you have to go, and enjoy the spring weather and the surroundings. And remember to mark your calendar for April 30th! Warm Thought: Count your age by friends, not years, and count your life by smiles, not tears. May you have many warm thoughts in the springtime. 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, April 23, 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 Apr

Episode 297: This Computer World

Here I go again, in my thoughts about listening to the master teachers in my life, the children. As we continue to experience rapid changes in technology, I realize every day it is my grandchildren who will be teaching me the changes in this computer world we now live in. And so I listened to the comments collected from computer children, ages 10 to 15. These are students who spend an average of 10 hours a week working in their computer labs at school and home. Why do you like learning from a computer? John: Computers are patient. They never yell at you. Josh: You can work at your own pace. don't have to wait for the rest of the class to catch up. Joy: If you get sick of it, you can turn it off. How does working on the computer make you feel? Jared: I feel like I'm in charge of everything. Matthew: I feel like I'm the boss. I can control it. What do you like most about computers? John: You can use your imagination to program games. Stephen: I like the technology. I've always been interested in electronics and I like to be on the cutting edge of what's new. Do you think computers will ever replace school? John: No, teachers have feelings. You can't have a conversation with a computer. Aaron: If you worked with a computer all day, you wouldn't know how to get along with people. Do you like being able to learn things without anyone helping you? Michelle: It builds your confidence to be able to learn something by yourself. Joy: I feel smart when I configure things out myself. How do you feel about knowing more things about a computer than your parents? Alan: It's nice to have your parents ask you questions instead of you always asking them. Joy: We get to teach them for a change. How can a computer help your parents? Jamie: It can help them with business and taxes. Kara: Maybe make them less cranky because they would have more free time. Josh: They could do things quicker and have more time for other things. Joey told his father that he needed a computer for his homework. His father said, “You don't need a computer. When Abraham Lincoln was your age, he studied by candlelight in a log cabin.” “Yes, I know, dad.” And he thought for a moment…”And when he was your age, he was the president of the United States.” We parents and grandparents learn each day from the children. Warm thought: Our computer broke down and we had to think. Have many warm thoughts on these warm spring 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, April 16, 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

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 - 2026
Episodes

99
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Visual Benedictions
Show Website

Warm Thoughts