Blonde Days

Dec 02 2017

The Christmas Concert ~ It’s Beginning To Look Like Christmas

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: No Comments

The Christmas Concert

Some children, all in their early school years, got out of line while putting on a Christmas pageant in church. It was disconcerting.

Thirteen of them were to walk across the stage, each carrying a letter-placard.  All together–if they were in the correct order and in line –spelled:  B-E-T-H-L-E-H-E-M   S-T-A-R.

But the “star” bearers got turned around and went in backwards, so to speak, spelling out:  B-E-T-H-L-E-H-E-M   R-A-T-S! Author unknown

 

 

 

 

Reflections:

Have you caught the Christmas spirit yet? I usually have trouble getting started every year, but this year I decided to start my Christmas baking in November. A first for me, I must be getting older!! I figured I would try to relieve the stress from the dreaded Christmas rush.

Over the years I would put so many expectations on myself with unrealistic to-do lists. Many years it wasn’t a pretty picture, setting up all night sewing, and working faster and longer than any other month of the year. By the time Christmas came, I was ready for a long winter’s nap. LOL

When life gets crazy, it seems hard to catch a breath. Over the years as I have matured, I am thankful for the opportunities to many life lessons. Some I looked forward to with high expectation, others I dreaded thinking it would be too hard. Sure I make plans, but there are times when life’s interruptions cause long delays. Have you ever felt like your life is a series of pauses especially when you are in a hurry trying to get things done?

Many times during those interruptions I have wished God would send me an email to alert me to what is coming next. Do you ever feel like a memo would be grand gesture too? I don’t know about you, but I like to prepare, and have a schedule with everything penciled in. But Life is not like that, is it? At least not mine.

I am praying that that I have started a new Christmas tradition for myself, starting earlier!

Although there are many ups and downs, I can look back and realize how each season has put amazing color in my life. Giving me meaning and enriching everyday life with faithful friends who pray for me, a trustworthy and compassionate God who loves me, and a Savior who forgives me.©

When we are on hold, waiting or paused, we need to take the time to breathe and see each opportunity to learn to walk in God’s light and presence.

Thank you, dear friends, for spending your time with me.

Have a wonderful weekend. 

HUGS,
Lovingly, Karan
What is your favorite Christmas recipe?
Nov 18 2017

No One Diets on Thanksgiving

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: No Comments

 

“To succeed in life, you need three things: a wishbone, a backbone, and a funny bone.”
~Reba McEntire ~

 

Stuff The Turkey

Baby Bruno was sitting in his grandmother’s kitchen, watching her prepare the Thanksgiving meal.

“What are you doing?” Bruno asked.

“Oh, I’m just stuffing the turkey,” his grandmother replied.

“That’s cool!” Bruno said. “Are you going to hang it next to the deer?”

 

 

 

 

 

No One Diets On Thanksgiving

I love The Thanksgiving season, anticipating the cherished times with family and friends that no amount of money could buy. And besides no one diets on Thanksgiving! 

The smell of a turkey baking, pumpkin pies and the beautiful fall colored trees of November is my favorite time of year.  I love the family gatherings as we remembering each loved one who joins us and the cherished ones we have lost these past years. We can also reflect on God’s love and grace. 

Over the year, there have been many tears, frustration, and fears as I have tried to learn God’s love lessons in waiting. I think waiting is going to be a lifelong pursuit for me because I seem to be such a slow learner. I am so thankful that God doesn’t give up on me, as he lovingly helps me to understand his purposes in my life.

And I pray that you and all God’s holy people will have the power to understand the greatness of Christ’s love—how wide, how long, how high, and how deep that love is.  Christ’s love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love.  Then you can be filled with everything God has for you.  

Ephesians 3:18-19 ERV

As God’s peace fills my soul I know that everything is all right. God’s plans are deeper, wider, and higher than anything, I could imagine, and in the loving arms of a faithful and trustworthy God, I know we will be safe.

As I reflected on this last year, I am reminded of all the love, encouragement and prayers of family and friends. What an extraordinary year. I read a little quote that said, “Dark fears flee in the light of God’s presence”. What a beautiful thought of comfort and peace as God brings us soon to another year.

Praying you have a wonderful Thanksgiving season with your family and friends. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your time with me today.©

Thank you, dear friends, for spending your time with me.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving week, Travel safe
Sending love to you all. HUGS,
Lovingly, Karan 

***What is your favorite part of Thanksgiving?

****And yes in Canada we have snow, Burrrrrr. LOL

Nov 11 2017

What Does Bravery Look Like?

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 1 Comment

 

We Will Not Forget!

 

 

 

 

 

What Does Bravery Look Like?

Bravery reminds me of the day I watched my husband and my son-in-law walk ahead of my daughter and me towards the restaurant for an early morning breakfast.

I still remember the feeling I had knowing this would be our last breakfast together for a while. Our brave soldier would be leaving for a 15-month deployment.

My heart filled with respect and admiration as I looked at this fine young man, and wondered what would cause a person to volunteer so freely to serve his country and willingly go into harm’s way for others.  

To stand and fight for people he does not know so they can enjoy safety and freedom too.  Is it the brave determination of character to serve God and to do what is right because he loves his country and family?

They say “Freedom is never free,” but there is always a price… physically, mentally and emotionally.

In our country, there are various opinions on how our government and military should run. Or how we should help in other countries far away and remote from our lives.  Have we forgotten what Bravery is, or what life would be like for us if this war were fought here in America or Canada?

Every Country, even our own has paid an enormous price for freedom, and our friends far away are learning what the cost is with their suffering.  But once they have tasted it, they will not stop until they have it for themselves, their families, and country. 

        “No act of kindness no matter how small is ever wasted.” Aesop

The Canadian and American spirit is the heart and soul of our soldiers, and the people in these countries will never forget them.©

Thank You to all who serve, I am praying for you!

Lovingly, Karan

Thank you for sharing your time with me, dear friend. What does the word Bravery bring to your mind?

 I’d love to hear from you.   Hugs

Nov 04 2017

My Old Memories ~ I fell and can’t get up!

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 2 Comments

My Old Memories

Two elderly people are living in a retirement home near Fareham, he was a widower and she a widow, had known each other for a number of years. One evening there was a community supper in the big arena in the Clubhouse. The two were at the same table, across from one another. As the meal went on, he took a few admiring glances at her and finally gathered the courage to ask her, ‘Will you marry me?’

After about six seconds of ‘careful consideration,’ she answered ‘Yes. Yes, I will!’
The meal ended and, with a few more pleasant exchanges, they went to their respective places. Next morning, he was troubled. ‘Did she say ‘yes’ or did she say ‘no’?’ He couldn’t remember.

Try as he might, he just could not recall. Not even a faint memory. With trepidation, he went to the telephone and called her. First, he explained that he didn’t remember as well as he used to.

Then he reviewed the lovely evening past. As he gained a little more courage, he inquired, ‘When I asked if you would marry me, did you say ‘ Yes’ or did you say ‘No’?’

He was delighted to hear her say, ‘Why, I said, ‘Yes, yes I will.’ and I meant it with all my heart.’

Then she continued, ‘And I am so glad that you called because I couldn’t remember who had asked me.’ Unknown author

 

 

 

 

 

I fell and can’t get up!

Late spring, my teenage grandson rode with me to town, we were in our truck. Although it had rained all night I decided to wear white pants to our family function. I needed to stop at Costco and get some prepared food items for our event.

Hurrying back to the truck and placing our food in the back seat, I grabbed the overhead handle to lift myself into the seat and lifting my 3-inch high heel foot into the cab I slipped.

Not wanting to let go of the overhead handles and getting my white pants muddy, I tried to get my other foot on the floor of the cab. I thought  It would give me a more firm foundation to lift myself up. 

I did get my other foot in the truck, but couldn’t pull myself out of my predicament. At this point, my white pant bottom was the only thing dangling out the door 2 feet off the ground. As I hung on for dear life I was yelling at my grandson who was listening to his iPod with his earbuds in. He was in enjoying his music he didn’t even notice my state of affairs.

As I was trying to get my grandsons attention,  I was surprised by two firm hands on my bottom, and a man was shoving me up into the seat. I didn’t get a chance to thank him because he ran away. And my Grandson caught the action just as I was being shoved into the truck. How embarrassing, but the best part my pants were still white. Come to think of it I haven’t worn white pants since!

I think God has a sense of humor too; after all, He made us.  Have you ever stood naked in front of a mirror and quoted, Psalm 139: 14a I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Personally, I have not been able to get past the fearful!

I have always been blonde, quirky and uncoordinated, so I have a lot of material to write about. God has blessed me with a sense of humor, laughter, and to see the funny side of situations.  I love that about God and his love, I believe he has a wonderful sense of humor too, after all, he made us!

Our confidence comes from knowing that God made us in his image, he knew what we would look like before we were ever born and loved us anyway. ©

Psalm 126:2 We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy.

And the other nations said, “What amazing things the Lord has done for them.”

Thank you, dear friends, for spending your time with me.
Have a wonderful weekend. 
HUGS,
Lovingly, Karan

Do you think God has a sense of humor?

Oct 29 2017

Am I Doing It Right?

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 1 Comment

Am I Doing It Right?

A praying child one evening said; Dear God, I hope you’ll also take care of yourself if anything happens to you; we’d be in an awful fix…

** I’m sure we all feel like that these days when the world is in so much turmoil and distress.        

** I have struggled for years trying to have a consistent prayer life that seems so often to be more hit and miss, than anything else.

** I have felt guilty, that I did not pray enough, or long enough.

** I have felt not good enough, why would God listen to me, I have failed him so often.

** I don’t have enough time; I know and have been told that you have to spend hours in a quiet place, (I have family, work, I don’t have time to hardly sit down, and when I do I fall asleep.)

We all know that the only time to pray is early in the morning, an author told me. (I’m not an early bird, I just stare at my open Bible, then fall asleep) then for sure, I will feel guiltier.

Then discouraged I give up, God why did you make me like this? I can’t even stay awake in the morning for prayer, I must be your worst child, one who doesn’t deserve your constant, eternal, forgiving love and graciousness.

I spent money on seminars and books that would help me to try and get it right, so many formulas and how it should be done. But it never was personal to me until I heard a story about the mother of John & Charles Wesley, Susanna who raised 19 children and still had time to pray.

With a busy family, Susanna found it difficult to find quiet time to pray. Her life was hard, but she realized the importance of praying for her family.  The children soon learned that any time of the day when their mother had her apron flipped up over her head that she was praying. So they quietly left the room leaving her disturbed.

I love this story about Susanna Wesley, it has taught me that it doesn’t matter where you pray or when.  I just need to talk to God like a dear friend, anytime or anyplace, he is only a prayer away.  Have you struggled with finding the right time or place to pray? ©

” We are put on this earth, not to see through one another, but to see one another through.”

What a friend we have in Jesus
All our sins and griefs to bear
And what a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer

Song was written by Charles Crozat Converse, Joseph Scriven 

Have you ever been frustrated in your Christian walk? Trying to do it like everyone else does?

Thank you, dear friends for spending your time with me, Have a wonderful weekend.

Hugs to all.

Lovingly, Karan

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