Sep 25 2018

The Mid-term Elections

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 2 Comments

The Mid-term Elections

Over the year and particularly the last few months, I have experienced stress and anxiety leading to the upcoming Mid-term elections.

As Americans residing out of the United States, Lyle and I were thrilled to receive our ballots and have the opportunity to vote.

I am surprised how people seem so interested here in Canada about these midterms. And like the US each person has their favorite candidate and a verity of views on them. No matter where I

travel, folks feel the need to debate about our U.S. politics.

I read an editorial a few months ago about an “election stress disorder.” It made me laugh, but later I thought I had many of the symptoms as well. LOL. I had become anxious, constantly looked at surveys, Twitter, and the news every morning and evening. Even Canada will be having elections in the fall, and there is a concern there also.

I was telling my friend in South Carolina, I thought I had the “election stress disorder” and she giggled and pointed out I am like this every two or four years. What are friends for, to give us perspective when our focus becomes small?

As I was reading my Bible, I was telling God how disturbed I am about this entire process.

Luke 18:27 it says; “What is impossible from a human perspective, is possible with God,”

What a comfort to know God is a big picture, God. He is never surprised, caught off guard, or doesn‘t have a plan. He knows the plans he has for each of us, plans for our good that are greater than we could ever imagine. God is trustworthy and true. And all is well when we are in his care.

Oswald Chambers said it well, “Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the one who is leading.”

My confidence and happiness is knowing God is in Control©

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

HUGS,
Lovingly, Karan

Aug 18 2017

Let Freedom Ring

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 4 Comments

A Bible Story?

A father was reading Bible stories to his young son.

He read, “the man named Lot was warned to take his wife and flee out of the city,

but his wife looked back and was turned into salt.”

His son asked, “What happened to the flea?

Reflections: Let Freedom Ring

Some years ago while we were touring in Germany, we had the opportunity to see Dachau, a prisoner of war camp outside Munich. I was instantly aware of the strange stillness, and how eerily quiet the camp seemed. I was walking in the same steps of so many who had gone before me but only with a much different outcome.

As the prisoners, walked over the small bridge toward the showers, seeing the beautiful flower and sweet music playing, how would these people know that the showers had a deadly consequence for them?

After spending an afternoon in Dachau, and seeing the displays, films, and pictures I walked away shocked at the evil and cruelty of man towards one another.

As I left Dachau, I read a sign above the door I have never forgotten. The quote said, “If we forget the past, we are condemned to do it again.” or written a little differently, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

I believe those words, and I can look at the past and remember how far we have come. I love history and often watch war movies. Remembering those brave men and women who have fallen because they loved this country more than themselves, and the precious families left behind. Do I love my country the same way? Or do I just want my own way, and care little for others.

As an American, my heart breaks of all the racial and political disarray that are happening now especially after last weekend in Virginia. I lived and witnessed the 60’s and 70’s which was a chaotic time for our country, but we made it.

I think tearing down our past and trying to erase history only deepens our wounds. Those founding fathers who were flawed, just like us, loved this country too, without them, we would never have the opportunity to live in a country as vast and free as America.

We don’t have slavery in this country anymore, and I thank God for a man like Dr. Martin Luther King who stood up for righteousness to make life better for us all. When will we carry our banner for freedom and stand up for what we believe?©

Psalm 119:45 NLT– I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments.

“If we forget the past, we are condemned to do it again.”
~ George Santayana ~

Please let me know how you are feeling about all that is happening. I love you all and am praying. Hugs

Lovingly, Karan

Feb 11 2017

Will You Be My Valentine Forever?

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 1 Comment

Will You Be My Valentine Forever?

You can see them alongside the shuffleboard courts in Florida or on the porches of the old folks’ homes up north: an old man with snow-white hair, a little hard of hearing, reading the newspaper through a magnifying glass; an old woman in a shapeless dress, her knuckles gnarled by arthritis, wearing sandals to ease her aching arches.

couple10000 They are holding hands, and in a little while they will totter off to take a nap, and then she will cook supper, not a very good supper and they will watch television, each knowing exactly what the other is thinking until it is time for bed.

They may even have a good, soul-stirring argument, just to prove that they still really care. And through the night they will snore unabashedly, each resting content because the other is there.

They are in love, they have always been in love, although sometimes they would have denied it. And because they have been in love they have survived everything that life could throw at them, even their failures. Ernest Havemann, Bits & Pieces, June 24, 1993, pp. 7-9.

Grow old with me! The best is yet to come.

~Robert Browning

valine

Reflections:

I have been thinking about my own thankfulness which has been lacking for a while. Being thankful not happy all the time is hard, I would like to think I am thankful most of the time.

Often, when things happen in our lives, we feel like God is punishing us for some reason. I’m sure Satan wants us to feel that way, keeping us defeated and depressed.

When we’re down, it’s hard to be thankful and trust God’s who sees the grand picture of our lives. He knows the beginning and the end. If I am feeling sorry for myself, I won’t be able to keep my eyes focus on Him. Forgetting to trust Him for His plans, even when I don’t understand, can I still trust Him? Have you had the same feelings?

The Bible says God knew all about us even before we were born:

Psalm 139:16 NLT

You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book.

Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.

As I look around the world today, wouldn’t it be great if we could just walk away from the struggles and hurts and just be friends? It seems God’s love through us is needed more than ever today. To be able to see people and the world through God’s eyes instead of our eyes, and living more like Jesus with open hands and open hearts. What would our world look like then?©

Thank you for sharing your time with me. I am Thankful for each one of you.

Lovingly, Karan

Feb 05 2017

Service With A Smile!

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: No Comments

Service With A Smile!

A couple in their nineties were having trouble remembering things so they went to their doctor for checkups. The doctor told them that they were both physically fine and advised them to write things down to help them remember.

couple-sitting-together-on-couch-smiling-340 Later that evening while watching television, the husband got up from his chair to go to the kitchen for a snack. He asked his wife if she wanted anything.

“Could you bring me a bowl of ice cream?” she asked.

“Sure,” he replied.

“Do you think you should write that down to remember it?” she asked.

“No, I can remember that,” he said.

“I’d like some strawberries on it, too. Do you need to write that down?” she said.

No, I can remember that, too. Ice cream with strawberries,” he said, becoming a little irritated.

“I’d like some whipped cream on it, too. Can you remember all that? The doctor said you should write things down,” she said.

“For goodness sake, I can remember that. I don’t need to write it down. A bowl of ice cream with strawberries and whipped cream,” he said, now more than a little irritated.

Off he went to the kitchen. About 20 minutes later he returned with a plate of bacon and eggs. The wife stared at it for a moment and said, “Where’s my toast?”

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Reflections:

The world we live in is demanding and changing. With extra demands on our homes, families, work and social commitments we are faced with daily uncertainties. We look for ways to slow down and try to find hope, peace, and strength among all the chaos.

I always thought as I aged that somehow I would know all the answers to life. However, the more I mature I realized I have more questions than answers. Surely I have learned something along the way, or have I forgotten?

The awareness of having a personal relationship with God has given me a great peace in my life. Through the highs and lows, of life, I have found God a trustworthy and loyal friend. Holding me up, calming my heart, and giving me the confidence to keep moving forward, even when I felt numb.

Some days I must confess that I would rather stay in bed with a blanket on my head. But in those times He gently reminds me that He is the same today as He was yesterday. The same God, who calmed the storms on the Sea of Galilee and healed the sick so many years ago, lives today. He would die on a cross and then rise again to life a living God. He is the same God I rely on today who calms the storms of my life and gives me peace. He is everything I need.

Because I know the creator of life personally and believe in Him, I can choose to trust Him even when I falter, he understands. I have a God who holds my life and my loved ones in His hands. I think He is better at handling the details of my life, don’t you agree?

When I look back on the life that I have been given, my family, friends, and ministry, how can I not trust Him? I am blessed with God’s incredible protection, love, and forgiveness. Today, I choose to trust you, Lord, because of who you are and your promises to me. ©

I love that verse,

“For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.”

Philippians 4:13 NLB

What could God do for you today?

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

Have a great week, HUGS

Lovingly, Karan

Dec 04 2016

SENIOR CITIZENS

Author: Karan Gleddie • Discussion: 4 Comments

SENIOR CITIZENS

SENIOR citizens are constantly being criticized for every conceivable deficiency of the modern world, real or imaginary.

We know we take responsibility for all we have done and do not blame others.

HOWEVER, upon reflection, we would like to point out

that it was NOT the senior citizens who took:

The melody out of music,

The pride out of appearance,

The courtesy out of driving,

The romance out of love,

The commitment out of marriage,

The responsibility out of parenthood,

The togetherness out of the family,

The learning out of education,

The service out of patriotism,

The Golden Rule from rulers,

The nativity scene out of cities,

The civility out of behavior,

The refinement out of language,

The dedication out of employment,

The prudence out of spending,

The ambition out of achievement or

God out of government and school.

And we certainly are NOT the ones who eliminated patience

and tolerance from personal relationships and interactions with others!!

And, WE DO understand the meaning of patriotism,

and remember those who have fought and died for our country.

JUST LOOK at the Seniors with tears in their eyes and

pride in their hearts as they stand at attention with

their hand over their hearts!

YES, I’M A SENIOR CITIZEN!

I’m the life of the party…… even if it lasts until 8 p.m.

I’m very good at opening childproof caps…. with a hammer.

I’m awake many hours before my body allows me to get up.

I’m SMILING all the time because I can’t hear a thing you’re saying.

I’m sure everything I can’t find is in a safe secure place, somewhere.

I’m WRINKLED, saggy, lumpy, and that’s just my left leg.

I’m beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.

Yes, I’m a SENIOR CITIZEN and I think I am having the time of my life!

Spread the laughter, Share the cheer

Let’s be happy, While we’re here. Author unknown

********************************************************

Psalm 100: 1-5 (NLT)

A psalm of thanksgiving.

¹Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth!
²    Worship the Lord with gladness.
    Come before him, singing with joy.
³Acknowledge that the Lord is God!
    He made us, and we are his.
    We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
⁴Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
    go into his courts with praise.
    Give thanks to him and praise his name.
⁵For the Lord is good.
    His unfailing love continues forever,
    and his faithfulness continues to each generation.

**********************

I pray you enjoyed this funny today and it brought joy to your day. A sweet friend sent it to me a while back and I was waiting for the right occasion to share it with you. Thank you, Beth!

THANK YOU for sharing your busy time with me, I LOVE each one, and pray the busyness of the season will bless you and keep you safe.

Have a good week, Lovingly Karan

Karan K. Gleddie

Offering Love and Laughter to Women who need Hope

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