Fred Rogers, also known as Mister Rogers, remains a treasured icon thanks to his contribution to children’s television. Through his hit series, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, the popular star, minister and educator promoted patience, good self-esteem and cooperation. Here we look back at some unknown, heartwarming facts about everyone’s favorite neighbor.
7 Angel Movies That Will Make Your Spirit Soar
From classics like It’s a Wonderful Life to comedies like The Preacher’s Wife, many movies have offered takes on what angels look like on earth. Here are seven of the best angel movies.
6 Tips for Having a Stress-Free Vacation
We are in the season known for time-off and rest. Let’s learn how to live with zest and delight and make this vacation the starting mark of a better life. Here are some tips to help you face this year’s vacation with a fresh spirit and perspective!
1. Approach each day in a glowing and hoping manner.
You will get glowing and hoping results. Start complaining, and you’ll find plenty to complain about. Start being thankful for each and every blessing, and your causes for thankfulness will multiply.
2. Decide to unload the mistakes and failures you made.
There can be no glorious optimism when you remind yourself: “I failed so many times, I did so many foolish things!”
3. Plan to go on this vacation without any secret guilt.
Get rid of it first. Make amends, if you can. Go with a clear slate.
4. Make time for you dear ones.
Draw nearer to those whom God has given you. All your busy year you miss intimate close talks and companionable hours. This vacation reclaim them.
5. Look with fresh light on nature.
See and enjoy again a remembered pleasure. Get close to nature, whether it’s for one hour or a day or a week…Enjoy the earth, air, sun, and flowers.
6. Vow to be released from anything that defeats you.
How can you be happy if you feel that there is some conflict within you, an everlasting ceaseless struggle? The Psalmist says, “Thou has put gladness in my heart.” It does no say, “I struggle for gladness until I achieve it.”
What is it that makes life a wonderful experience? What must you do to have gladness in your heart? You have to have a change of heart. Relearn the art of living. That’s your vacation this year!
READ MORE: SUMMER TRAVEL: NATIONAL PARKS, TRAILS AND WILDERNESS AREAS
6 Heartwarming Movies Premiering This Holiday Season
Underneath the hustle and busyness, the holidays are all about spending time with those you love. And what better way to get some quality time with those who matter most than cuddling up with an uplifting movie? Whether your loved ones prefer princesses, Jedi or Mr. Rogers—there’s something for everyone to love this season.
6 Dolly Parton Recipes We Love
From butterscotch pie to pickled peaches and southern-style biscuits, here are a few Dolly Parton’s favorite recipes you’ll want to try at home.
6 Benefits of Exploring New Places
Discovering unfamiliar places can often be intimidating, but it’s also an adventure that offers many benefits. Whether you venture abroad or plan a cozy, local staycation, traveling gives you the opportunity to step away from your busy schedule to clear your mind and center yourself. Learning about new places can improve your physical and mental wellbeing, serve as an act of self-care, enhance your creativity and much more. Here are six benefits of discovery, near and far.
Improves mental health
It may come as no surprise to learn that exploring new places is good for your physical wellbeing, but did you know that it’s also good for your mental and emotional health? Traveling boosts happiness, satisfaction and keeps your brain active as you learn and explore new places, meet new people and live through new experiences. By taking advantage of the freedom that comes with traveling, you’re embracing a healthy, positive and optimistic mindset.
Introduces you to new people and cultures
The most enriching aspect of visiting new locations can be who you meet along the way. Introducing yourself to new people and places will deepen your understanding of other ways of life and the many cultures the world has to offer. By opening these doors and establishing new friendships, you’re developing a wider world view and becoming a more understanding and open-minded person.
Lets you disconnect from your daily life
Sometimes your mind and body need to rest and recharge. Traveling offers a great relief from the stress that comes from work and daily demands. A weekend trip or staycation can help you unwind and explore at a slow, relaxing pace. By taking a break from your daily responsibilities, you’re giving your body and mind some time to heal and rejuvenate.
Helps you step out of your comfort zone
New experiences can often bring forth new challenges. Exploring a city, state or country can be scary at first, but once you step out of your comfort zone, you’ll gain a renewed sense of strength and independence. Doing things differently from your daily activities will also help improve your productivity, gain problem-solving skills and build your confidence.
It’s an act of self-care
A calm, relaxing getaway may be just what you need to gain inner peace. Going on a leisurely walk in a new environment or having a relaxing day outdoors and taking in all that nature has to offer can help calm your mind and spirit. By living in the moment—taking in the warmth of the sun and the peaceful sound of nature—you’re recharging your mind, body and soul.
Enhances creativity
Traveling can teach you many things about a destination, including its history, people and languages, that a book simply can’t. When you engage with new cultures and people, you’re enhancing your creativity in the process. Immersing yourself in other people’s traditions, beliefs and real-life experiences will teach you new skills and insights, while sparking your creativity and interests.
5 TV and Film Heroes That Stand the Test of Time
Content provided by INSP
Anyone can be heroic, but it takes a certain person to stand up to injustices and do what’s right time and time again. Living by a set of virtues, heroes have a calling to make the world a better place. Innate protectors, they’re willing to step up when no one else will, concerned for the well-being of others. When times get tough, they persevere, relentless in their pursuits for justice.
1. THE EVERYMAN HERO: MATT DILLON — GUNSMOKE
While his towering stature may have you think otherwise, U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon (James Arness) has a peaceful nature. His job may be to uphold the law, but Dillon looks out for every person in town, good or bad. Patient and humble, he always acts in fairness and feels remorse when he has to use force. Although he is a man of few words, when he speaks, his kind and humorous spirit shines through.
Gunsmoke, weekdays at 7PM ET on INSP
2. THE LIONHEART HERO: VICTORIA BARKLEY — THE BIG VALLEY
Ahead of her time, Victoria (Barbara Stanwyck) is a woman living in a man’s world, but she never backs down and always comes out on the right side of justice. With her unwavering bravery, she’s tough while still being loving and empathetic. She steps up to run her family ranch with no hesitation and unselfishly fights for the little guy.
The Big Valley, weekdays at 9AM ET on INSP
3. THE LAWFUL HERO: WYATT EARP — WICHITA
Based on the real-life Western icon, Wyatt Earp (Joel McCrea), protects and serves as U.S. marshal of an unlawful town, even though his passions lay elsewhere. Wyatt’s willingness to sacrifice his own desires for the good of the town highlights the quality of his character. Fearless with a no-nonsense attitude, his duty to the law makes him truly a man of honor.
Wichita, April 10, 2021, at 8PM ET on INSP
4. THE ALL-AMERICAN HERO: JACOB MCCANDLES — BIG JAKE
Jacob McCandles (John Wayne) looks the part of a hero, but it’s his determination and grit that makes him admirable. McCandles knows he’s the only man to rescue his grandson from kidnappers and is diligent about bringing the boy home. Although he’s deeply invested in the outcome, McCandles is patient, composed, and doesn’t lets his emotions get the best of him.
Big Jake, May 1, 2021 at 8PM ET on INSP
5. THE TRAILBLAZING HERO: BASS REEVES — WILD WEST CHRONICLES
Sometimes fact is better than fiction. Real-life escaped slave turned hero, Bass Reeves, proves it. Reeves was the first black man to become a U.S. marshal. Reeves’ ingenuity, sincerity to help the helpless, humility and courage gained him the respect of everyone he knew. He worked tirelessly to take down the bad guys and make the streets safer for all.
Watch Bass Reeves and other history-making heroes in Wild West Chronicles, Sundays at 5:30PM ET on INSP, beginning April 11, 2021.
Visit INSP.com for schedule, channel information, games, sweepstakes and more.
5 Things You Didn’t Know About Kristin Chenoweth
Kristin Chenoweth has experienced success on the stage, in the movies, on TV, and as a recording artist. But here are five bits of insider info that even her fans might not be familiar with.
1. She is called Kris or Kristi by family and friends. Her given name is Kristi Dawn. She didn’t become “Kristin” until her musical theater teacher at Oklahoma City University, Florence Birdwell, suggested putting the “n” at the end of her first name to make it sound a bit more professional.
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2. She cherishes her pink leather Bible embossed with her name, a gift from her mom 20 years ago.
3. She was given a set of rosary beads by Martin Sheen when they were on The West Wing. “One day on set I was nervous about an upcoming flight. He went to his dressing room and came back with a rosary blessed by Pope John Paul II to carry with me when I travel. That he shared his faith with me was really special.” P.S. Check out Martin’s dramatic and inspiring 1986 Guideposts story.
4. She has a big sweet tooth. Her specialty: No Calorie Left Behind Butterfinger Pie. “Crush up six Butterfingers then stir into Cool Whip (12 oz.). Dump it all into a premade graham-cracker crust. Freeze. Devour.”
READ MORE: KRISTIN CHENOWETH FINDS STRENGTH IN PRAYER
5. She honors her heroes. For her album, Some Lessons Learned, Kristin wrote the song “What Would Dolly Do,” a tribute to her idol, Dolly Parton. “I just admire her career. And she’s nice to everybody. When I met her she told me, ‘Honey, you should play me!’”
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5 Sacred Sites on Maui
In the April/May issue of Guideposts’ Mysterious Ways magazine, senior digital editor Brooke Obie recounted the transformative experience she had participating in an early-morning Hawaiian cleansing ceremony near a sacred spot, Makalua Puna Point. Subscribe to the digital edition of Mysterious Ways to read her story. Check out these photos to see more amazing spiritual and historical spots on Maui.
5 Places to Pray with Monks
About 16 years ago, in a time of great spiritual need, I journeyed to the Abbey of Gethsemani, near Louisville, Kentucky, and spent four days and three nights at that famous monastery. It changed my life.
I learned things from the Trappist monks there that I had not learned in my own tradition. It has become such an important part of my prayer life and my spiritual rhythms that I have since returned every year–and often twice a year.
You don’t have to be monastic–or even Catholic–to pray with monks (or nuns) and experience the silence, solitude and serenity offered by many monasteries and retreat centers. And it is easier than you think to make a reservation and more rewarding than you can imagine to make the time.
Here are five places where you can “make like a monk” and enjoy a prayer adventure you may not experience anywhere else.
1) The Abbey of the Genesee (Piffard, New York)
Home to approximately 30 Trappist monks, the abbey is located in the picturesque Genesee River Valley of western New York. The monastic enclosure encompasses about 1,200 acres of forest, ravines, rolling hills and a meandering creek.
They provide three houses for retreats: Bethlehem retreat house is ideal for individual silent retreats, while the Bethany and Nazareth houses are used for group retreats.
2) The Abbey of Gethsemani (Trappist, Kentucky)
Founded in 1848 and made an abbey in 1851, Gethsemani is situated on more than 2,000 acres of farmland and considered to be the “mother house” of all Trappist and Trappistine monasteries in the United States.
It is the oldest monastery in the U.S. that is still in use and is famous as the home of Thomas Merton. They schedule Friday-to-Monday retreats or Monday-to-Friday retreats in their air-conditioned guest house.
3) St. Meinrad Archabbey (St. Meinrad, Indiana)
St. Meinrad Archabbey in south-central Indiana (near Evansville) was founded in 1854 by monks from the 1000-year-old Swiss abbey of Einsiedeln, where St. Meinrad lived and died.
Today, it is a thriving community of 90 or so monks which also includes a seminary (more than a 100 seminarians studying for the priesthood), theological school, publishing house (Abbey Press), gift shop and extensive grounds.
The guest house at St. Meinrad is very comfortable and the meals are top notch.
4) The Monastery of Christ in the Desert (Abiquiu, New Mexico)
The Monastery of Christ in the Desert is located in the beautiful Chama Canyon wilderness in northwestern New Mexico, about 75 miles north of Santa Fe.
The Benedictine monks there maintain a guesthouse for private retreats where men and women can stay for a minimum of two days and two nights (shorter stays would not help guests enter into the experience).
Guests usually stay several days, a week, or even longer (stays of longer than a month require the approval of the abbot).
There are nine single and three double rooms for a maximum of 17 people at the main guesthouse. A ranch house also offers three double rooms.
5) The Monastery of the Redwoods (Whitethorn, California)
Begun in late 1962 by four Cistercian nuns, this monastery is in a breathtakingly beautiful area of the Lost Coast of northern California.
The sisters–not monks–offer their hospitality either from Thursday until Sunday or full week retreats from Monday until Sunday. Meals are vegetarian.
Have you visited any of these spots? Or others? Please leave a comment below and tell me about it.
5 of the Most Inspiring Oscar Speeches of All Time
Since 1929, the Academy Awards have been the benchmark for excellence in film. Each year the show—the oldest entertainment award show of its kind—delivers laughs, lively performances and uplifting quotes from the winners. Here are some of our favorite quotes from inspiring Academy Award acceptance speeches.
5 Lessons I Learned from Jane Austen
I fell in love with Jane Austen more than 25 years ago when I was a college student spending a semester in London.
Loaded down with inexpensive Penguin Classic paperbacks, I worked my way through all of Austen’s novels while huddled beneath a down duvet, the radiator blasting away against a remarkably chilly British winter. While the snow fell outside, I fell in love with Lizzie, Emma, Elinor and Marianne, and all the rest of Austen’s heroines–not to mention her heroes.
In the last few years, I’ve had the opportunity to make several return visits to England, and each time I’ve been able to connect with Jane Austen in new ways. These trips led to my trio of Austen-related novels, each centering around a group called the Formidables—a secret society that protects precious Austen artifacts.
Although the Formidables are a product of my imagination, my devotion to Jane Austen and her work is very real. Here are some of the many lessons I’ve learned from her over the years.
1. Keep your sense of humor.
Jane’s writing—both her novels and her personal letters—reflect her life-long appreciation of irony. Despite poverty, family squabbles, frustration with publishers and all the obstacles she faced, Jane never lost her ability to laugh at herself (first) and at others (in an understanding way).
2. Measure a man by his actions, not his words.
She showed us in Pride and Prejudice that Darcy was really a good egg and in Sense and Sensibility that Willoughby could talk the talk but he couldn’t walk the walk.
3. A real writer can work anywhere.
If you visit the Jane Austen’s House Museum at Chawton, England, where she lived the last decade or so of her life, you can see the tiny table by the dining room window where she wrote some of the greatest novels of English literature. I have a table like that in my house, and it has a plant on it. So much for complaining that my office is too messy for me to work in!
4. A true heroine admits her mistakes.
From Marianne to Elizabeth to Emma, Austen’s female heroines admit when they’re wrong and learn from it. Fortunately for them, their mistakes can be rectified and they find their happy endings.
5. “Three or four families in a country village is the very thing to work on…”
Austen’s advice to a young novelist still holds true today. Novels about families, community, relationships and romance are still as popular today as they were 200 years ago!
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