Warm Thoughts

Trina Harger
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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 298: Be a Kid Again

    1D AGO

    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
  2. Episode 297: This Computer World

    APR 7

    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
  3. Episode 296: A Pilgrim's Prayer

    MAR 31

    Episode 296: A Pilgrim's Prayer

    As families throughout the world look forward to celebrating the Easter season, I am overwhelmed with many warm thoughts and memories. Memories of the place where all the events of holy week took place are so real and meaningful to me. Many times I relive that experience of walking the Via Dolorosa, also known as the Way of Sorrows, when I was there on my pilgrimage to the Holy Land. We are all pilgrims, and an unknown author wrote the following prayerful thoughts. A Pilgrim's Prayer Lord Jesus Christ, you were once a pilgrim in the Holy Land. We too have come as pilgrims to journey with you into the desert to listen to the powerful word of the God of Israel, spoken in our own deserts. We follow you into Galilee, to understand and experience your ministry of presence and healing. We come up to Jerusalem to join the great crowd that came to meet you crying, Hosanna, blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! We walk with you on the road to Golgotha, and share in your passion, seeing you nailed to the cross, we bow down before your suffering and dying. We journey with you on the road to Emmaus, and discover you in the breaking and sharing of the word and the bread. Show us the glory of your resurrection. Open our eyes, our hearts, and our minds, so that we may find you not only in ancient stones, but in the midst of your holy people, and among all those who thirst for you wherever they may be. Write your gospel upon our hearts, send us forth carrying the good news. Continue to lead us and guide us on our pilgrimage to the heavenly Jerusalem. More thoughts to ponder: A Simple Path by Mother Theresa. The fruit of silence is prayer, the fruit of prayer is faith, the fruit of faith is love, the fruit of love is service, the fruit of service is peace. May you have a joyful 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 2, 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. Episode 295: Snow in Spring

    MAR 24

    Episode 295: Snow in Spring

    It was five years ago that I wrote the first Warm Thoughts column over a cup of tea. I can remember the moment as if it happened yesterday. The first day of spring in 1993 was a beautiful springy day. Surprise, surprise! On Sunday morning, following that first day of spring, I awoke to a winter wonderland and a real South Dakota prairie blizzard. However, my pioneer spirit urged me to go to church that morning. Surprise, surprise! I was the only parishioner in church that morning. I was not aware that weather conditions were that severe to call off church services. What a lonely feeling. I later joked that the pastor went through the entire message and even shook my hand as I left the services. That afternoon, as the north winds blow and snow covered the plains, I sat down at my old typewriter, and typed the very first column of warm thoughts, as I sipped a cup of tea. And I had many warm feelings, as I appreciated a warm and safe home as the winds blew. Throughout these years, you, the readers, have encouraged me and enabled me to keep on keeping on writing enthusiastically. You have been the angels in my life, for my reader of this warm thoughts column have been my friends and my friends' readers. Together we have shared many joys and challenges in our daily lives, and you have been the greatest. Thanks for all you have shared and contributed to this column. Your warm thoughts have often written this column. And so I share these warm thoughts written by an unknown author, “Ode to Good Friends.” It has been my joy in life to find, at every turning of the road, the strong arm of a comrade kind, to help me onward with my load. And since I have no gold to give, and love alone must make amends, The only prayer is while I live, God make me worthy of my friends. Dear readers, you have to believe the buds will blow, Believe in the grass in the days of snow. Ah, that's the reason a bird can sing…On his darkest day, he believes in spring. Author unknown. Believe it is spring, happy spring! 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, March 26th, 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
  5. Episode 294: Spring is Here!

    MAR 17

    Episode 294: Spring is Here!

    Glancing at the calendar, I note that the first day of spring is just a few days away as I write this Warm Thoughts column. Yes, another spring is here this month, and the colors of spring will soon be all around us. The redbird and robins will sing their songs of cheer, The green frogs will start croaking in the babbling brook, The flowers, grass, and trees will come to life. The geese and ducks will fly high as they quack and giggle in the sky. Children's joyful voices will fill the air as farmers plant seeds with hopes and prayer. Another spring will soon be here. We love to welcome sweet springtime. It is indeed a time of promise, hope, and joy. An unknown author once wrote, “Every day can be a spring in your life, even though you are approaching the winter of your life and those sunset years.” As I was deep in thought about spring and the colors of springtime, a dear friend shared a poem entitled, “Winter Colors.” Some call winter dismal. I surely disagree. Winter has its colors, if you only stop to see. Red cardinal skipping through the hedge, The shimmering blue of the pond's water's edge. The mallard's head of velvet green, Made brilliant by the sun's golden sheen. The color of winter is not dead, But filled with colorful hues instead. Author unknown. March 22nd is “As young as you feel day.”Everyone can take this day to remember that they are no older than they feel. March 15th is Hug a Farmer Day, and the week of March 15th is National Agriculture Week, dedicated to the farmers of America, and is designated to educate the people about agriculture in the United States. Farewell winter, and we welcome spring. Each season brings with it colors to brighten our lives. More Warm Thoughts: As we watch for the signs of spring, let us hold the warmth of all those blessings of our seasons on our hearts. May you have many warm thoughts this spring 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, March 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 293: Generations

    MAR 10

    Episode 293: Generations

    Recently, I attended a retreat at Cedar Shore in Chamberlain, South Dakota. It was a women's retreat, and all generations were present from the great grandmothers to the young mother with her baby daughter. It was a learning experience about the different generations which I would like to share with you this week and during family month. 1900 to 1925: The missionary generation, the happiest, most satisfied generation, this generation values family, God, and church. 99 Nobel Peace Prizes have been won by this generation. 1926 to 1945 is the sandwich generation. 50000000 in the US. They are sandwiched between boomerang children and aging parents. Family, school, church are important. This generation also believes in hard work, frugality, loyalty. Early retiring husbands are in this generation. This sandwich generation is eager to reach out to other cultures. Some joined the Peace Corps. 1946 to 1964: Our baby boomers. There are 76000000 in the US. They make up 45% of the adult population. Twice as many went to college as their parents. They are against sexism. They want help with their children and parents. They are the first generation to have television. 70% of boomer women work outside the home. They waited until their 30s to have their babies. Two out of three boomer women have been divorced. They like quality projects and want lots of choices and options. They long for traditional values in raising children. 1965 to 1976 are the baby busters. There are 40 million in the US. They are also called the 13th generation - generation Y. They were born during the era of cable TV, fluctuating economy, and desert storm. They are high tech, high touch, low self-esteem. They do not like planning and preparation. They are accustomed to divorce, they are survivors, and are expected to become more conservative during midlife crisis. They want connection and diversity. 1977 to 1995 are the baby boomlets, also known as the millennial generation. This generation is less materialistic and more social conscious. They are highly informed. They believe religion and what parents believe is not so important. They are interested in community projects and mission endeavors. Will they become a missionary generation like their forefathers and foremothers? They may, if there are enough left in that generation to mentor them. As we reflect on the past century, it is interesting that it is the 100th anniversary of the Nobel Peace Prize. We even have a stamp to remind us about this anniversary. Mother Teresa was one of the recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize. When she was asked, how can we bring peace to the world? she answered, “Just go home and love your family.” We are not meant to do great things for God, but small things, with great love. - Mother Teresa. 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, March 17th, 2001. 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
  7. Episode 292: St. Pat's Day

    MAR 3

    Episode 292: St. Pat's Day

    Right after St. Valentine's Day was history, I immediately saw St. Patrick's Day cards and decorations in the stores. There may be signs of winter and white snow around us, but the shamrock decorations of green are symbolic of life, and soon we'll have St. Pat's Day and Spring. I have always been curious about Bishop Patrick and why people considered him a saint in their lives. In my research, I read about the legend of the shamrock, and will share these thoughts with you. Long ago, when Ireland was the land of druids, there was a great bishop, Patrick by name, who came to teach the word of God throughout the country. This saint, for he was indeed a saint, was well loved everywhere he went. One day, however, a group of his followers came to him and admitted that it was difficult for them to believe in the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. St. Patrick reflected a moment, and then, stooping down, he plucked a leaf from the shamrock and held it before them, bidding them to behold the living example of the three in one. The simple beauty of this explanation convinced these skeptics, and from that day the shamrock has been revered throughout Ireland. Throughout the years, I have always been so inspired by the wit and humor of my Irish friends. They have blessed my life and given me an appreciation of their culture and their appreciation of family and friends. This Irish saying could be for us all, even though we may now be able to say we have a bit of Irish. Family and Friends: The two things we're most grateful for are our family and our friends. The care they have provided, the love so strong and true, the thoughtfulness that's spoken, in words and actions too. Our grandmas and our grandpas, our mothers and our dads, our brothers and our sisters, are there through good and bad. They're special friends to share with, Our smiles, our hopes, our fears, When counting all God's blessings, Gifts of love that never end, We could count on friends and family, And our family, as true friends. Irish Grerand Butler. More Irish thoughts: May the raindrops fall by lightly on your brow. May the soft winds freshen your spirit. May the sunshine brighten your heart. May the burdens of the day rest lightly upon you, and may God enfold you in the mantle of His love. Have a special day on St. Patrick'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, March 12th, 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 291: All About Attitude

    FEB 24

    Episode 291: All About Attitude

    Recently, I attended a couple of exciting basketball games while visiting my family in Nebraska. My granddaughter performed as a cheerleader, and the folder that listed the names and pictures of the players and cheerleaders was also the top 10 reasons to sport a winning attitude. I was impressed, and since many of the readers of this Warm Thoughts column attend the sports activities, I thought I would like to share these 10 reasons. 10. Because taunting, trash talk, and intimidating behavior have no place in high school sports or any other level of sports. 9. Your admission allows you to watch these performances of highly impressionable 15 to 18 year old kids. Not a license to abuse coaches, officials, players, and other spectators. 8. You want others to treat you the way you want to be treated. And how many of us want to be treated with disrespect. 7. We need positive role models. 6. People don't always remember the final score, but they do remember the fans in section 3 who made fools of themselves. 5. Because coaches and officials who are also teachers in what they do. Why would you harass them in their classrooms? 4. A national survey indicates kids play high school sports to have fun. 3. It's how you play the game that counts. 2. It's simply the right thing to do. 1. Because sportsmanship begins with you. So here are the 10 reasons about attitudes and sports, whether you win or lose, it's how you play the game and your attitude is important! Of all the Warm Thoughts columns, I have written it in over 400 columns…The thoughts on attitude have received the most comments. I was pleased to see these 10 reasons to sport a winning attitude. You are in good company when you have a good attitude. You may want to call it the zeitgeist of the new millennium. Attitude has become the spirit of the age. “I am so thankful for people with good attitudes. I feel so uplifted by wonderful folks who have life affirming attitudes of gratitude.” Victor Frankel. Once stated, everything can be taken from a man but one thing, the last of the human freedoms, to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances. Andrew Scott Hamilton stated that the only disability in life is a bad attitude. More Warm Thoughts: The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life, attitude to me is more important than facts. Charles Swindle. 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, February 22nd, 2001. 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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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