Mar 22 2019

Who Are You? I Don’t Think I Recognize You

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 4 Comments

Who Are You? I Don’t Think I Recognize You

Nothing at all, We’ve got this!

I Don’t Think I Recognize You

Have you had sleepless nights, got up in the morning checked the mirror and thought, “I’m not sure I’m going to be able to get it together today?” Was your hair standing on end? Are there bags under your eyes, not to mention the dreaded puffed eyelids? Thank goodness for eye cream and concealer! Some mornings, looking in the mirror can almost stop your heart. Which often happens at my house.

Have you fallen off your diet in a major way? Enjoyed an incredible weekend full of carbohydrates, sugars, and fat overload? Now feeling guilty, bloated and 10 pounds heavier than when you started your week. You know, the weekend where you ate everything you could get your hands on just because you couldn’t stand another carrot stick? I have, and I give myself a good scolding too. I usually feel so guilty and miserable I promise myself never again. Well, maybe that’s a little hasty, I hear a little Chocolate is good for you!

Perhaps you’ve had a dispute with your husband, friend or even the kids, and you’re on your last nerve. Possibly you’re saying, “I need to run away for a while or take a cruise, ” or if you’re like me, you just stay in bed and cover your head. I’ve even considered a week at a rest home, wouldn’t that be heavenly. There I could sit on the porch in a rocking chair and sing “Be Still My Soul “and mean it.

Some day’s life does not go the way I expect. I can write lists, make my plans and try to get some sense of order, yet life does not stop because I have had a bad day. Have you ever felt like that?

I am thankful that as each new day comes, I can choose to find something to be thankful for. I am learning how to find joy in the moments. Which has been a lifelong journey for me, I am not a fast learner. How about you?

My life isn’t always perfect, but I have a friend who loves me through the circumstances of life. He is the shield which blocks the sting and protects me in his perfect will. Nothing touches me that does not go through the cross first.

Although I will always have my share of bad hair days, bags under my eyes, blow my diet and lose my temper. I am safe and secure in the knowledge that God’s love, forgiveness are constant, unconditional and forever. He is my Friend. He is faithful. ©

How precious is your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 36:7

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

HUGS,
Lovingly, Karan

Jan 15 2019

Mouth Engaged

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 1 Comment

Mouth Engaged

Reflections: Mouth Engaged

Does your mouth often engage before your brain does? I will admit mine does. Thinking back to a time when we stopped for fast food with my girls, and a young man took our order. He had trouble remembering my order and getting it put into the computer.

In my mind, I suspected he was a few Fries short of an order. As the line grew longer the people behind me we are getting restless with this never-ending comedy of errors. I was on my last nerve and almost told this guy what a nitwit I thought he was. However, I thought it.

Looking up from the register with a huge grin of recognition on his face, he said, “like your dog-tags, I have one too.” In shock, I recalled I had my “WWJD” (What Would Jesus Do) dog tag on, and he then showed me his tag. I stood with my mouth open as he described how his youth group at church were all wearing “WWJD” tags to remind them to be kind and look for ways to serve others. He also told me how excited he is about getting his new job, it’s his first day!

As I left, with my order I smiled and thanked my young server and felt convicted about my sour attitude. Thanking God for keeping me from saying what I was thinking. I am sure I would not have pleased Him at all. Have you ever felt like God just slapped you across the face with a rebuke so strong that you never forget that moment or how you felt?

Remembering the day I bought the necklace and thought it was a good reminder for me to watch my words and actions so I could honor the God I love. I need to find the necklace again, and put it back on and remind myself God cares how I represent Him, and I should too. We live in a world where people desire to see God’s love. If we were the only Bible people read, I wonder what their opinion of Him would be.©

True love doesn’t consist of holding hands… It consists of holding hearts.

Psalm 42: 1, 11

As the deer longs for streams of water,
so I long for you, O God.
I will put my hope in God!

I will praise him again—
my Savior and my God!

Dear Friend, thank you for spending your time with me.

What has God been teaching you this last year?

Hugs,

Lovingly, Karan

Oct 18 2018

The Coffee Party

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 5 Comments

The Coffee Party

Every morning in our ranching and farming community the men would regularly meet at the local restaurant. Enjoying coffee, breakfast and keep up with the area happenings of the day. Topics included: cows, crops, politics and solving all the world’s problems for the day. At 6:00 am–8:30 am it was the men’s den!

On my husband’s birthday, October 7th a few years back, I surprised him with a singing telegram at the restaurant so all his friends would enjoy his birthday too. I took the cake to the restaurant the night before so when they sang Happy Birthday the cake made its appearance. I thought it would make a memorable party for my husband and his friends

When I booked the singing telegram, I chose the dancing Gorilla in a hula skirt to show up at the coffee shop at 6:30 am for the biggest effect. I was excited about the next day’s surprise. However, the night before, the woman from Party Singing Grams called and said she was sorry but they were double booked and can’t come.

I was so disappointed, all the plans seemed to fall apart at that moment. She then suggested I should wear the gorilla suit with the hula outfit. And dance to the taped Hawaiian music and birthday song she recorded, if I would come and get it the suit.

I went ahead, how hard can a hula dance be with music? I saw it on TV once, two steps to the left waving your arms than two steps to the right still waving your arms. I was so confident about the steps and music when I brought the outfit home I never practiced. Besides, if I were wearing, the gorilla outfit no one would recognize it as me.

After my husband left for work at 6:00 I hurriedly put the outfit on. My daughter drove me downtown, and I stood outside the window trying to get my brave on. Finally, I ran in, messed up my husband’s hair, took a pose with my arms out and pressed the button to start the music on the tape-recorder. To my shock “Creedence Clearwater Revival” blasted out a rock-and-roll tune–she had sent the wrong tape! Stunned, my mind raced at what to do next, so I tried and make the Hula work.

I started the music again and did the two steps left waving my arms and two steps right still waving my arms only at a much more increased speed. I thought the tape would never end, and I was sweating, that was hard work in a gorilla outfit!

Finally, the happy birthday song ended, and I ran out the door, giving the proper birthday wishes and left. I raced home, packed the gorilla outfit up and waited for him to come home; all the while trying to pretend nothing unusual happened. The hardest part was for my daughter and me to keep a straight face when he came home. He described to us about what happened to him at the coffee shop. How some woman dressed as a hula dancing gorilla tried to do the hula dance to a “Creedence Clearwater Revival’s” rock-and-roll song, strange.

But the cake was great. He also added that he thought the Party Singing Gram lady had put on some weight because she was much heavier than she used to be! He also noted, her hair was blonde now, she must have dyed it because he saw blonde hair at the back of the gorilla’s neck!!!

I took two years to confess that the gorilla was me, but when I think of the fun, I had it still gives me the giggles. Thank you, God, for giving us a sense of humor, where would we be without it? ©

Psalm 126:2 (NIV)

Our mouths were filled with laughter,
our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”

Thank you for sharing your time with me today, dear friend.

If you find and inspiration, love or laughter here, please share with the ones who might enjoy a giggle too.

Have a Great week, HUGS

Lovingly, Karan

Jul 30 2018

Special Made

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 2 Comments

Special Made

How do You beat the Heat?

I’m not sure my trash bin is big enough.

Special Made

The heat in Southern Alberta is about 90 today and the flowers and grass are feeling the burn. This last week a dear neighbor shared some of her annual plants with me, making my empty flower containers look beautiful.

As the plants along with the grass were starting to suffer I went out to water and ended up having a fight with the sprinkler after trying to set it. Consequently, my pants are hanging by the door sopping wet and my hair is all frizzed up again after spending 40 minutes straightening it yesterday. Lol

As most of you have guessed, I am not a gardener, but I love flowers and admire people who have great gardening skills. I always try to learn all I can from them and I get some great tips too.

So, with a new porch almost finished last week, I am inspired again to turn something plain into a peaceful and serene space for morning coffee. I’ll keep you posted on how it turns out.

Often I get discouraged about the things I don’t do well. I look at others’ talents and gifts and wish I could be more like them. Forgetting to be thankful for the gifts God has given me. So much time has been spent wishing instead of praising God for the blessings I already have.

I love the verse in: 1 Corinthians 12:4-6

There are different spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit gives them.

There are different ways of serving, and yet the same Lord is served.

There are different types of work to do, but the same God produces every gift in every person.

God has not left me out, he has allowed me to have a special gift to serve him and tell others of his amazing love and grace. Like each flower or plant, each one of us is different and beautiful. In God’s eyes, we are uniquely special and precious to Him.

No matter what our circumstances are or the road each of us travels, knowing that I have a special place in God’s heart and plan gives me security as I live my life for Him.©

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

HUGS,
Lovingly, Karan

May 13 2018

Happy Mother’s Days ~ Hero’s Come In All Sizes

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 2 Comments

Happy Mother’s Days!

Hero’s Come In All Sizes

Hero’s come in all sizes, my hero came from a harsh background; I think she spent her life trying to work through the difficulties she encountered as a child. She strived to be understanding and kind towards others. Unlike her parents, she achieved her goal. There were painful personal and emotional struggles in her life, as well as great highs. Mother was always optimistic no matter what life handed her. Her motto was: “tomorrow’s a brand-new day.”

She worked hard to put a roof over our heads and food on the table, never giving up or expecting handouts. Although others thought we were poor, I can’t say that we ever thought we were. We always had enough, when we outgrew our shoes and clothing; she made sure we had something new to replace the old. I often wondered how she worked her magic with the budget, but as I look back I realize she went without so that my sisters and I would have more opportunities and a few extras.

Mother loved a good deal, so thrift stores, Salvation Army, garage sales and flea markets were thrilling when she found the ultimate bargain.

She loved her flower beds and gardening much better than house cleaning and often said she felt closer to God outside. She loved to spend time talking to Him in the quietness of the morning as the sun rose on a new day.

We knew mother loved us and loved God too. She trusted Him, leaned on Him, and believed His promises would sustain her throughout life. She taught us daily about God’s grace, forgiveness, and love. Through her life, we were able to see how God faithfully protected and care for our needs. My mother has given me a lifetime of wonderful memories that are worth more to me than silver and gold.

I felt lost when she passed away and wondered what I would do without her wonderful sense of humor and practical wisdom. But as I look back, I can see a long line of the heroes that God sprinkled into my life. Each one pushed, encouraged, and inspired me to become a better person. To reach for my dreams and never stop, and when I slow down and get discouraged, they cheer me on with their prayers.

To have Godly mentors who showed me that loving God, putting him first and serving him would give the greatest joy in life, each one has blessed me.

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.

Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

Psalm 23:4

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

HUGS,
Lovingly, Karan

Karan K. Gleddie

Offering Love and Laughter to Women who need Hope

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