Warm Thoughts

Trina Harger
  • 4.9 (8)
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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. Episode 287: Fulfilling Forgotten Dreams

    4D AGO

    Episode 287: Fulfilling Forgotten Dreams

    Among the many Christmas epistles received during the Christmas season was a letter from a dear old friend in Ohio. Olga has been a real inspiration to me. For many years, she has been a lifelong learner and a pioneer in the work of missions and ministry. Her letter arrived on the 12th day of December, as she had a busy Christmas season. She was born on December 24 and last year, celebrated her 100th birthday on Christmas Eve. I am really looking forward to her next letter filled with her many exciting experiences. She is living every minute of the rest of her life and enjoying the learning process. Whatever our calling in life may be, we can never stop learning. I need to keep on learning if I want to keep up with life and all its changes. We remember John Glenn's recent trip into space at 77 years of age. It reminds us that in today's world, many senior citizens are fulfilling dreams that were forgotten. Perhaps they had to put their dreams on hold because of circumstances in their lives. We may not be able to orbit hundreds of miles or above the earth like John Glenn did this past year. However, with determination and a lot of creativity, we can be a vital part of our community at any age. I was recently informed that people who are involved in volunteer services live longer and have rich and productive lives. Tom Brokaw, NBC anchor, has recently written the book entitled "The Greatest Generation." If you were born in the second half of this century, you owe your freedom, your prosperity, and perhaps your life, to the selfless teens and 20 somethings who fought in World War II. Their courage followed by their sense of vision in the post war years changed the world. He calls this generation "the greatest generation" that ever lived. They are the generation that survived the misery of the depression to gear up to fight in World War Two. Adversity led to their great maturity. They were 21 years old and faced life with many challenges. Now, many are senior citizens and dying at the rate of 100 a day. We need to listen to them. They were the heroes of World War II. They are an inspiration to us and have so much to share with us. Brokaw and his new book The Greatest Generation, argues that these men and women overshadow even the founding fathers in Abraham Lincoln's generation. He states, they stepped up and saved the world. Younger people will be astonished. They'll look at their grandparents in a different way. A New Year Thought: The author of this quote is unknown. It was quoted by England's King George the fifth when he gave the New Year's greeting to the world, he stated, "Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown." And he replied, "Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God that shall be to you better than a light and safer than a known way." Live every moment of the rest of your life! 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 January 21st, 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

    4 min
  2. Episode 286: Life at 90

    JAN 20

    Episode 286: Life at 90

    The following column appeared on January 29th, 1998. It was a favorite column among the readers, and maybe again, for those who are celebrating birthdays this month. After I delivered last week's Warm Thoughts column, I walked to the post office. At the counter stood someone receiving a parcel. It was her 90th birthday that day. I stood there in amazement and deep in thought as she drove away alone on the streets that were glazed with ice. I just thought, "Here is a lady who understands what celebrating life each day really means. She really lives every day of her life." In my mail that day came a letter from a longtime friend and reader of Warm Thoughts. She related about how her friends and family gave her a warm reception on her 80th birthday. She shared with me one of the readings her daughter read, and I feel you too, will enjoy these Warm Thoughts today. "Dear Lord, I'm 80 and there's much I haven't done. I hope, dear Lord, you'll let me live until I'm 81. But then, if I haven't finished all I want to do, would you let me stay a while until I'm 82? So many places I want to go, so very much to see. Do you think that you could manage to make it 83? The world is changing very fast, there's so much more in store. I'd like it very much to live until I'm 84. And if by then, I'm still alive, I'd like to stay till 85! More planes will be up in the air, so I'd really like a stick and see what happens to the world when I turn 86. I know, dear Lord, it's much to ask, and it must be nice in heaven. But I'd really like to stay until I'm 87! I know by then I won't be fast and sometimes I will be late, but I would be so pleased to be around at 88. I will have seen so many things and had a wonderful time. So I'm sure that I'll be willing to leave at the age of 89. Maybe, just one more thing I'd like to say, "Dear Lord, I thank you kindly. But if it's okay with you, I'd love to live past 90!" More Warm Thoughts: Life is a gift. Life is what we make it. Always has been, always will be. Grandma Moses. Celebrate each day of your life! 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 January 15th, 2004. 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
  3. Episode 285: Have Courage

    JAN 13

    Episode 285: Have Courage

    Have you made New Year's resolutions? A recent study informed us that many who make New Year's resolution have already broken them after two weeks. Some people do make it to Valentine's Day. In my collection of thoughts on the new year, I found an article that appeared in a Nebraska newspaper on January 2nd, 1914. As we read these thoughts, can we see ourselves applying it in our lives? 85 years later in the year 1999 the last year in this century? "Have Courage. At the beginning of a glad New Year, instead of making many resolutions try to increase your storage of courage. Have the courage to tell a man why you will lend him your money. Have the courage to wear your old clothes until you can pay for new ones. Have the courage to prefer comfort and prosperity, to fashion in all things. Have the courage to obey your maker at the risk of being ridiculed by men. Have the courage to discharge a debt while you have the money in your pocket. Have the courage to provide for the entertainment of your friends within your means, not beyond them. Have the courage to do without what you do not need, however much your eyes may covet it. Have the courage to acknowledge your ignorance rather than to seek credit for knowledge under false pretenses. Have the courage to speak your mind when it is necessary that you should do so, and to hold your tongue when it is prudent to do so. Have the courage to show that your respect, honesty, and whatever guise it appears, and your contempt for dishonest duplicity by whomever exhibited. Have the courage to cut the most agreeable acquaintance you have when convinced he lacks principle - a friend should bear with a friend's infirmities, but not his vices." The above thoughts were written over 80 years ago. Can they be applied to the 90s and the next century? I think of what JC Penney stated when he was 95 years old. He said, "My eyesight may be getting weaker, but my vision is increasing." He could see tomorrow with a vision for the future. Let's keep the vision for a future filled with hope. Yesterday is but a dream, and tomorrow is only a vision, but today, if well lived, makes every yesterday a dream of happiness and tomorrow is a vision of hope. Make every day count in 1999! 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, January 14th, 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

    3 min
  4. Episode 284: Epiphany

    JAN 6

    Episode 284: Epiphany

    In one of the Christmas epistles I received during the holiday season, I was reminded that there now is Bethlehem Star TV as Trinity Broadcasting Network has a station in Bethlehem. The antenna is atop the Church of the Nativity. Isn't this exciting to know this is happening in this century? This network reaches all over Israel and even into Saudi Arabia, and in the future, will reach out to the world. When you read this warm thoughts column, it will be either the 12th or 13th day of Christmas. On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me...because of that lively carol, we all know that there are 12 Days of Christmas. January 6th, the 12th day, is associated with the celebration of Epiphany. Epiphany means "manifestation," and celebrates the occasion when the wise men came from the east and presented their gifts. In some countries and cultures, January 6th is when the gifts are unwrapped. In Spain, everyone knows about the epiphany for the 12 Days of Christmas. Leading up to it, and on the day itself, street possessions take place, with the three kings in traditional dress being led to the local church or town square. Then and only then, are gifts exchanged. The children have to wait until January 6th to unwrap their presents. Sometimes we may think that our way of celebrating Christmas is the same all over the world. Our way has become increasingly secular, as evidenced by the street decorations in our cities. Father Christmases, colored lights, and fir trees abound from autumn onwards. Yet one has to search to find any reference to the Christian celebration of the birth of Jesu,s sent to us to be our Emmanuel, our Savior, saving us from self destruction, and to show us how God would have us live. The 12 Days of Christmas, beginning with the wonderful event of the birth of the Christ child, and ending with the epiphany have more to teach us about the reality of life and living. We are reminded that Jesus was born in a stable as there was no room elsewhere. We are also reminded that Jesus was a refugee with his parents fleeing to escape the murder of the innocents ordered by that insecure ruler, Herod, Jesus came with the promise of liberation, but that Liberty does not mean we have a license to do as we please. Love must make rules for us in order to be free to serve just as a room has to have walls, so liberty must have boundaries. When my seven year old granddaughter dictated to me the Merry Christmas story. She reminded me, "Grandma, we cannot forget the three wise men." Yes, the wise men of the Epiphany remind us that wise men and wise women still seek Him. For Jesus is the reason of this season and Epiphany. More Warm Thoughts: When it is dark enough, men see stars. - Ralph Waldo Emerson. Happy epiphany 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 January 7th, 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

    4 min
  5. Episode 283: Thanks from the Heart

    11/10/2025

    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
  6. Episode 282: Years of Happiness

    11/04/2025

    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
  7. Episode 281: Holiday Letters

    10/28/2025

    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
  8. Episode 280: The Nifty 90s

    10/21/2025

    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
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Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Trina Harger
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    99
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Visual Benedictions
  • Show Website
    Warm Thoughts