Articles by Karan Gleddie

Sep 29 2021

Hurry, Hurry, Faster, Faster

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: No Comments

Hurry, Hurry, Faster, Faster 

Where do we find rest? Would I stop the world and get off this race of life that keeps me spinning? I race from one task to another, playing catch up each day. Cooking, cleaning, washing, writing, it seems I will never get to the end of my long self-imposed list. Even in lockdowns. Hurry, hurry, faster, faster, you’ll never get it done! Run, run.

Yet the rest that I long for, I find in the morning’s quiet sheltered in the word of God as he leads me beside the still waters of his love. Calming the turmoil, halting the storms, and giving my soul peaceful rest. He gives me courage that keeps me moving forward in uncertain times. Whatever the day holds, I know God’s rest is only a prayer away. He only asks me to live one day at a time for him, because he holds all my tomorrows.

 

God has given me a song to sing.

I think each of us has a song in our lives.

Sometimes I struggle to sing my song, feeling like it might not be good enough to share.

Or I look at others and wish I could sing their song.

There have even been times I could not sing my song at all because of great sadness.

Those are times I need another to wrap their wings of love around me and hold me tight.

I was born to sing my song.

Like a bird needing to fly and feel the wind lift me higher.

I know God has placed a special song in my heart that

I must sing to a hurting world… Jesus Loves You!

And FLY,  That is my SONG©

What is your Song, I would love to hear from you?

Thank you, dear friends, for spending your time with me.
 I love you all and am praying.
Have a wonderful week, keep Smiling!
HUGS,
Lovingly, Karan       

Jun 25 2021

Good Morning Officer

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 4 Comments

 

 

 

Good Morning Officer,

Over the years I realized I have a heavy foot. I am constantly late and must speed to get to appointments on time. My family blames my California roots for all my bad habits.

I struggle with time management and over the years and assume I have plenty of time when I have no time at all. And yes, the police and I have had our discussions over several tickets.

I always want to respect the police, but I grumble when the tickets I feel are undeserving. But, in my heart, I know I deserved far more tickets than I have received. I am reminded of a time when I was on my way to an appointment and a police car pulled me to the side of the road.

I knew I had not been speeding (thank goodness for the speed control) and surprised to learn my taillight was faulty. The officer walked back to his patrol car and confirm my certification and data. Watching him walk back, a thought occurred to me: what a thankless job he has. I cannot imagine that people are always grateful and kind for their tickets these days. I know I am not!

When the officer came back to my car, he handed me my license, insurance card, and an extra ticket. I thanked him for his service, for my ticket, and for a good job is doing to make our highways safe. He did not know what to say for a moment and, thank me, and said no one had ever said that to him. How sad. As I drove away, I giggled and wished I had taken a picture of his face. Priceless.

Makes me want to do it again. LOL. Isn’t it amazing to honor someone else and you get the joy in the deepest part of your soul?

 The Bible says:

Lord, we show our trust in you by obeying your laws; our heart’s desire is to glorify your name.

Isaiah 26:8 NLT.

 “Well,” he said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.”

Matthew 22:21 NLT

 I am so glad that I did not react to the young officer the way I felt like. After all, I was in a hurry to doing God’s work. But while I am here on earth, I am to trust the Lord, obey his laws and the laws of the land. And to bring honor and glorify His name. That is my purpose as I walk daily, staying close to him. ©.

Thank you, dear friends, for spending your time with me.
 I love you all and am praying.
Have a wonderful week, keep Smiling!  
HUGS,
Lovingly, Karan

Jun 19 2021

The 10 Second Twist and Shout

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 11 Comments

 

 

 

 

The 10 Second Twist and Shout

As I enjoyed a shower the other day, and just completed shampooing my hair when an object landed on my shoulder. It was a spider. I started dancing on the bathmat while the water was still running, trying to get him off me. Poor thing, by the time I quit dancing he was floating toward the drain, absent two legs.

When I think about it, the spider must have been roaming on the ceiling, and with the humidity, he slipped and fell. I am certain he surprised himself, too. How grateful I was for a new shower mat. With a rapid 10-second twist and shout I could have been laying on the floor along with the spider.

How strange one little spider could send me into a tizzy. Spiders and mice are the two things that cause me the most stress.

Somehow, I thought as I aged, I would get over my fear of mice and spiders. However, the more mature I am, I have still not developed a friendship with them. These days, I seem to have more questions than answers about life. Sometimes I wonder, have I learned anything, or have I just forgotten what I learned.

The one thing I know for sure is having a personal relationship with God gives me great peace. Through the highs and lows, disappointments and joys, sickness, and deaths, God is a trustworthy and loyal friend. Holding me up, calming my heart, and giving me the confidence to keep moving, even when I feel numb.

In the past, I have shared my sweet husband has been living in a senior lodge for the past three years. This last year and a half have been tough with all the lockdowns. Lyle found it hard to understand, not seeing the family.

Lyle’s memories have faded without the regular prompting of conversations and pictures we shared to help him remember each family member and the special memories of the past.

We speak on the phone daily to keep in contact, but he still will gets confused with faces and conversations. I know many of you have experienced these same situations, which is heartbreaking. There are many circumstances that we each walk through which bring stress and sorrow to our lives, and each one is painful.

When I know the creator of life and believe in Him, I am convinced I can trust him. I have a God who holds my life and my loved ones in His hands. I know He is better at handling the details of my life more than I ever could.

How blessed I am with God’s incredible protection, love, and forgiveness. I trust you, Lord; you know what I need and see me. I am not alone. I love you, Lord.

You keep track of all my sorrows, you have collected all my tears in your bottle,

you have recorded each one in your book.  Psalm 56:8

So be strong and courageous, all who put your hope in the Lord. Psalm 31:24

Thank you, dear friends, for spending your time with me.
 I love you all and am praying.
Have a wonderful week, keep Smiling!  
HUGS,
Lovingly, Karan

May 22 2021

The Lockdown Hussle

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 2 Comments

 

 

Over a year in different degrees of lockdown, 

I think I’m Fine! 

 

The Lockdown Hussle

Over this last year, I am mindful of the changing world we live in. The extra demands on our families, homes, social, and work responsibilities have put tremendous stress on our lives. Looking for ways to relieve the stress, we try to find hope, and strength amid the turmoil.

In Canada, we crossed our one-year mark on March 1, 2021. I did alright in the first 3 months, but as the lockdown continued, I became more stressed, isolated, and sad. The rules continued to change from week to week, leaving us unsure when it will end. Have you experienced lockdown fatigue in the ever-changing rules and regulations?

I have grieved all the family gatherings I have missed and vacations that were canceled, and the hugs from family and friends. I am a hugger and miss a real genuine hug. Somehow the fist bump doesn’t work for me.

When I would sit down to write this last year, I felt like nothing was funny anymore. The delight of laughter seemed to be gone. In my mind, I thought it was better not to write anything than to discourage people.

I’m ashamed to say some days, I felt like things were hopeless. And believing God has created us to enjoy each other’s company, to love and laugh together, and to encouraging and hold our families and friends close.

Reading this story a while back, my heart was touched. It changed my perspective about my unhappiness and complaining spirit because of the lockdown. I hope you like it.

I had a middle school student who was just coming unraveled in every way today. He walked up to me and said, Today just is not so good.

 

I looked him in the eye and said, Can I give you a 1-minute hug? He shrugged and said; I guess.

 

I said you must commit for an entire minute. Can you do that? He said I guess.

 

So the hug began. At 20 seconds I (always watch the clock) he whispered, Why 1-minute? I whispered back, so my heart can talk to yours.

 

By 30 seconds his squeeze tightened and by 45 seconds his head was on my shoulder. At 60 seconds I said, you made it. He did not move. 10 more seconds passed I said, it is time.

 

He said: Thanks for talking to my heart, looked me in the eye, and half-smiled.

Who knows what tomorrow will bring… but today, that child knew love… if for 70 seconds. author unknown

By the time I had finished this story, I was weeping it touched my heart. I think God feels the same about us, God wants us to know we are loved too in the same way. 

Even with problems I do not understand, nothing I struggle with is beyond God’s concern. Having God’s presence in my life, I can rejoice in the eternal hope he has given me. A life journey that he walks with me, and he never leaves me alone.

My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.

He will guard and guide me, never letting me stumble or fall.

God is my keeper; he will never forget nor ignore me

Psalm 121: 2 & 3

Thank you, Father, for your love and understanding through all my struggles and for comforting me with your loving care and safety through the lockdown. Help me share your peace, hope, and eternal love with others. I Love you, Lord.

I am sending each of you a virtual 1-minute hug. And then give it away.

Thank you, dear friends, for spending your time with me.
 I love you all and am praying. Have a wonderful week, keep Smiling!  
 
HUGS,
Lovingly, Karan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 07 2020

You Are Like our Mother!

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 4 Comments

 

 

 

You are Like Your Mother!

Throughout my life, people would often say, “You are like your mother” and I would cringe. Those were not the words I wanted to hear. I wanted to be a supermom – you know, the woman that did and had it all. I would be organized, clever, and smart about life – no traumatic crisis for me.

My mother came from a harsh background. From my perspective, she spent her life trying to work through the difficulties she encountered as a child. She strived to be understanding and kind towards others and, unlike her parents, she achieved her goal. Even though there were painful personal and emotional struggles, as well as great highs, my mother was always optimistic. Her motto was: “Tomorrow’s a brand-new day.”

Although we were poor, I can’t say that we ever thought we were. My mother worked hard to put a roof over our heads and food on the table, never giving up or expecting handouts. We always had enough and when we outgrew our shoes and clothing, she made sure we had something new to replace the old. Reflecting on my childhood, I realized she went without so my sisters and I would have more opportunities and a few extras.

My mother, Francis, had so many wonderful characteristics. She loved a good deal, so thrift shops, garage sales, and flea markets were thrilling, and she was skilled at discovering the ultimate bargain. She also loved her flowerbeds and gardening much better than house cleaning and often said she felt closer to God outdoors.

Inside she loved reading books, sewing, and listening to the radio. Wherever she went she had many bags of good deals, a plethora of interesting books she checked out at the library, and Christian broadcasting blaring from her radio.

In her daily life, we knew mother loved us and loved God too. She trusted Him, leaned on Him, and believed His promises would sustain her. She taught us daily about God’s grace, forgiveness, and love. We could see through her life how God faithfully protected and cared for our needs. The wonderful memories of my dear mother are worth far more than silver and gold.

Now when I hear “You are like your mom,” I say thank you. Following my mother’s legacy, I pray that my children will know how much I love them and see the light of God’s love in my life.  ©

I am humbled and quiet in your presence. Like a contented child who rests on its mother’s lap,

I’m your resting child and my soul is content in you. 

Psalm 139:13 TPT

Dear friends, thank you for sharing your time with me.

In this season of reflecting on our mothers and what it means to be a mother,

please share a special memory of your mother in the comments below.

Happy Mother’s Day! 

Lovingly, Karan