Canadian

Mar 24 2020

The Messy Look

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 4 Comments

 

Sorry I couldn’t resist this one!

 

The Messy Look

I stopped at Costco to pick up a few staples and as I wandered up and down the aisles, I became aware of a man who was staring at me. “I like your hair, he said.  “I know what it’s called, it’s a messy bun.”

I felt suddenly self-conscious and thought the messy look was not what I was aiming for. He then explained he had seen a young woman with the same hairdo, and she told him it a messy bun.   I thanked him for his comment, but in my heart, I was feeling insecure about my thinning hair.

Last year when I returned from a vacation in California, I was so overwhelmed and fatigued and unable to get enough sleep. Along with sleeping problems, I noticed a large amount of hair falling-out. After visiting my doctor and tests taken, he confirmed it was Lupus.

During the time it took to find the right medication, I watched my hair go from a ponytail to a miniature tuft.  Seeing the balding and thinning at the sides and back of my head was traumatic.

I now spend time searching the web and watching YouTube videos on how to find a good wig, extensions or a great hat. Lol

After I left Costco, I reflected on my hair problem. The thought of people looking at my missing hair had made me anxious and fearful when in reality no one likely noticed. My insecurity became so severe I didn’t want to go anywhere or see people and I just stayed home and felt sorry for me.

And then, at my lowest moment, someone mentioned they admired my hairstyle. Thank you, Lord. You knew just what I needed, a new perspective! God delivered a gift at Costco that afternoon.

For almost a year, I put so much emphasis on this problem and it robbed me of joy. I am so thankful God is gentle in leading us to consider new perspectives when we lose our way.

God uses the old, the broken and the messy lives of ordinary people to show us His great love and compassion.  How many times have I believed the sting of Satan’s lies? “Telling me I am unworthy and not good enough to serve a Holy God. The lies we believe take our joy and confidence, so we stay home.”

What are the lies that you believe that steals your joy?

Should we hide in shame from God? He is the one who knows us best and will always love us?

I am so glad God uses ordinary, broken and hurting people to share His Good News and love to a broken and hurting world.

Philippians 4:13      For I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength

Jeremiah 1:7    Don’t be afraid of the people, for I, the Lord, will be with you and see you through.”

Father, help me stand with open hands before you, surrendering to your will. I want my ordinary life to be extraordinary for you.©

Do you ever feel you are too old, too broken, flawed or wounded to be usable to God? Do you think it’s too late for you?     I would love to connect, let me hear your thoughts.

Thank you, dear friends, for spending your time with me.
I love you all and am praying. 
 God loves you,

Lovingly, Karan

 

 

Dec 16 2019

I Bought a Discounted Ticket

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: No Comments

 

 

I Bought A Discounted Ticket

A few years ago, when Lyle and I were living in California we stayed with our daughter whose husband deployed.

We traveled back to Canada for Christmas, to be with our daughters and their families. And finding a great flight at a discount was a bonus. Thinking it would be fun to take some candy treats back for everyone, the Jelly Belly jellybeans.

We located the Jelly Belly factory in the next town. And can you believe it when I arrived there was a great sale on the Jellybeans? Buying one bag and get two free. Don’t you just love bargains? I bought four bags, with the free bags I finished with 12 sacks, 2pds each, 24 pounds in all. 

While getting into the Christmas spirit I failed to remember we needed to pack them. On the way home, I later purchased three boxes of See’s Candy which added five more pounds. My poor husband started wondering how we would get it all in our bags. 

The night before we took off for the airport, we planned to leave at 5:00 a.m. Our flight left at 8:00 a.m. I stayed up half the night packing, trying to decide how to make our luggage lighter. At one point, we could not lift the luggage off the floor, so we included another suitcase.

 After a few hours’ sleep, we carried, or should I say dragged our baggage to the car. Three large suitcases, two larger overnight bags, one computer, and a book bag. And an enormous handbag and tote, everything fits. Although I had to sit on it to get it shut! To be honest, I jumped up and down on it is more like it. 

Our daughter dropped us off at the terminal and headed home. We didn’t manage the luggage by ourselves, we hired someone to help us. I couldn’t wait to get to Calgary and our hotel room and have a good night’s sleep before seeing our family. Only 15 days left.

With tickets and passports in hand, we ambled towards the airline counter, and the man pushing our luggage cart was straining to keep up. He helped us put our baggage on the weight scale, and I held my breath. It’s heavy (imagine that) the airline agent glanced at me and said sorry, she can’t confirm us in now?

I pulled out my e-ticket showing her our 8:00 a.m. departure. She responded,” we don’t check people in 12 hours early. Your flight leaves at 8:00 p.m. (No wonder the fight was so cheap!) At that moment a picture was worth a thousand words when I looked at Lyle’s face. His mouth dropped open and had that distinctive look that said, “You mean I have to do all this again tonight?” 

 I called my daughter who was happily enjoying her quiet drive home and told her of our circumstances. To which she replied, “I knew it was too easy, you and dad fly nowhere without something unusual happening.

After leaving our Airport at 8:30 p.m. we found ourselves delayed in Salt Lake until 1:30 a.m. Arriving in Calgary at 4:30 p.m. Lucky for us I had booked a hotel room near the airport and had guaranteed the room.

So at 5:15, we headed for our room, dragging all our luggage and promising ourselves we would make sure we checked the times of arrivals and departures before we ever bought another airline ticket. 

And to add insult to injury, as we climbed into bed and turned out the lights, we received a call from the front desk. Notifying us it was our good morning wake-up call, I must be a bad dream! I assured him he had made a mistake, we just climbed into bed! ©

When life turns upside down it has a way of giving you a whole new perspective on what is important. 

In reflection I have learned when life is tough, I need to focus on the priceless treasures in my life. God’s love, my family and friends who encourage and pray for me.  I am blessed.

“The best Christmas gift of all is the presence of our families and friends all wrapped up in love for one another.” I believe that is true, no matter what our circumstance or need.

This year as we come into the Christmas season, there will be joy and expectation knowing we have the presence of our loved ones and friends. And as we wrap our love around each one, we will lovingly remember those who could not be with us.

I wish each of you a Merry Christmas and pray that the Christ of Christmas will bless your homes as you prepare for the Holiday Season.©

Luke 2: 13 & 14

Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others-the armies of heaven—praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in highest heaven,
    and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”

Lovingly, Karan Gleddie

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

Have a wonderful Holiday Season, be safe.

Hugs to all.

Oct 11 2019

Does God Ever Give Up on Us?

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 1 Comment

 

 

Reflections: Does God Ever Give Up On Us?

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

The smell of a turkey baking, pumpkin pies and the beautiful fall colored trees is my favorite time of year.  I love the family gatherings as I remember each loved one who joins us and the cherished ones we lost. 

Over the years, there were many tears, failures, and fears as I struggled to learn God’s lessons in waiting. I think waiting will be a constant pursuit for me because I seem to be a slow learner. God never gives up on me; but gives me a desire to learn and understand his purposes for my life. 

Gratefully there are daily reminders of His love and promises. I may get discouraged, angry and emotional, yet God is always with me, and continues to love me.  Even when I fail, I can never go beyond God’s love.

As God’s peace fills my soul, I can be assured 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. Ephesians 3:18-19 (ERV)                                                                                    

Reflecting 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 picture of comfort and peace as God brings us to this year’s Thanksgiving.

Praying for a blessed Thanksgiving with your family and friends Canada. American Thanksgiving is next month, November 28th. 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 Canada, Travel safe.

HUGS,  Lovingly, Karan

May 24 2019

Everyday Heroes

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: No Comments

Everyday Heroes

 

 

Reflections: Everyday Heroes

Every year, as we celebrated Memorial Day, I honor those who have to serve and all who continue their service. My heart is full of respect and admiration as I looked at these fine men and women in our military.

I wonder what would cause them to volunteer to serve his country and go into harm’s way for others. To stand and fight for people he does not know so they can enjoy the safety and freedom he loves.

In our country, we with various opinions on our government and military, we often debate about sending our soldiers to countries that are far away from our everyday lives.  Have we forgotten what life would be like for we fought here in America?

Is it the strong 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. I am humbled and honored by these brave soldiers who fight for my peace and freedom.

May God bless the men and women of the military who serve quietly, unselfishly, giving their time and extras to bringing a better life for someone else?  To allow people to see what real freedom looks like.  

       Aesop said many years ago, “No act of kindness, no matter how small is ever wasted”

This is the American spirit, which is the heart and soul of our soldiers and the people in these countries cannot ever forget them. ©

 “Christ paid a price I could never pay to give me life I did not deserve”. I am loved and blessed.

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

Thank you all for stopping by, have a great weekend. Hugs

Lovingly, Karan

 

 

 

May 11 2019

Mother’s Day

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 2 Comments

 

 

Reflections:

I have wonderful memories of an extraordinary woman who loved, encouraged and shared her life with me, my Canadian mother-in-law. Although she was opposite to my mother, the one bond they each had in common was their love of God, and for me.

As I have gotten more mature, I can see more clearly how God has made impossibilities, possible. He had a plan before I was born, and knew what I would need to grow closer to Him.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

He saw me and loved me when others thought I was a mistake; He had a plan. He knew the mother I need to help me through life. (Although when I hit my teens, I was sure he had given me someone else’s mother.) He also knew who my dear mother-in-law would be too.

mom gleddie2Hedevig was a tall, kind, and a gentle Danish woman who loved her home and family. She taught me how to cook, clean, bake those wonderful Danish pastries and pies. I learned to can food, make jams, jellies, pickles, and how to freeze and blanch vegetables. I learned how to garden too.

There was never anyone turned away from her home, generous hospitality, delicious meals, and beautiful table settings.

Our homes were on the same property, and we would see each other daily. She was a wealth of knowledge and made learning fun. She became my second mother, mentor, and friend.

As the years past, three daughters were born to our family, and they loved their grandmother very much. In fact, every day after school they would stop at Grandma’s for cookies and tea, play a game of Sorry or Trouble, and then come home. She always had a listening ear and encouraging word and many hugs. It was as though it was their particular time to have Grandma all to themselves.

Over the next few years, she endured severe illness, and like the family, we rode the roller coaster of extreme disappointments. My daughters would still visit Grandma after school every day; however they would set the cookies on the table, make the tea, set the games up, and she would come and set with them and watch as they played. Over a cup of tea, sweetened with laughter they enjoyed their time together

Hedevig was a beautiful pianist, organist, and singer. And that gift was passed on to her children and grandchildren. I loved to listen as she sat and played the piano for hours in her home. I would go over to her house on the corner of the ranch yard and quietly enjoy my own concert. It always brought comfort to her soul as well as mine.

She endured great physical pain and showed grace throughout the illness. Always knowing God loved her and had faith he had a perfect plan for her.

My mother’s gifts, have given me a lifetime of wonderful memories that are worth more to me than silver and gold. I have been blessed.©

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend as we remember our mother’s.

Hugs

Lovingly, Karan

Thank you, dear friends, for spending your time with me, Have a wonderful weekend. I would love to hear your special memories of your Mother.