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

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.

The Bible says we need to remember all that God has done for us and lean on his promise. ©

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

To Much Candy ~ The Grave Is Empty

 

To Much Candy

Marty, was in church on Easter Sunday with his mother, and after eating a lot of candy he started feeling sick.

‘Mummy,’ he inquired, ‘can we leave now?‘  ‘No,’ his mother replied, ‘the service isn’t over yet.’

‘Well, I think I’m about to throw up.’ Marty announced. 

‘Then go out of the front door and around to the back of the church and throw up behind a bush.’ said his mother.

After about sixty seconds, Marty returned to his pew, alongside his mother.

‘Did you throw up?’ Marty’s Mum asked quietly.

 ‘Yes,’ Marty answered, embarrassed. ‘How could you have gone all the way to the back of the church and returned so quickly?’ she demanded.

‘I didn’t have to go out of the church, Mummy. They have a box next to the front door that says, “For the Sick”.’ Author Unknown

 

 

 

 

Reflections:  The Grave Is Empty

Easter brought new life, the Grave is empty, and Jesus lives. I know that my hope and constant care come from Him. He loves me, forgave me and helps me. Darkness is gone, and life has a new meaning.

What a privilege to celebrate the Easter season, because of Jesus’ victory over sin and death we are now free.

Matthew 28:5-6

But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified He is not here; for He is risen, as He said

 The cross of Christ reveals man’s sin at its worst and God’s love at its best!

The Grave Is Empty, He Has Risen!

Happy Easter Dear Friends, Wishing you much love and blessings.

Thank you for stopping by and sharing your time with me.

Hugs!

Lovingly, Karan

It’s Snowing Move Your Car ~ I Need A New Hair-Do

“It’s Snowing Move Your Car”

It had been snowing for hours when the announcement came over the intercom.

Will the students who are parked on University Drive please move their cars so that we may begin snow plowing.”.

Twenty minutes later there was another announcement: “Will the twenty-six hundred students who went to move twenty-six cars please return to class.”

 

 

 

 

Reflections: I Need A New Hair-Do

Last week was my birthday and nothing helps you reevaluate your previous year then a milestone on the calendar.  I knew my birthday was approaching because for the last six months I have been receiving the unsolicited email about buying a burial plot, death insurance, plastic surgery plans and wrinkle removers. Wow, I didn’t think I was that old and thanks for the reminder! Lol.  But to be honest, each year I think about what can be done to stop the progression. LOl

I remember a few years ago on my birthday I thought I would give myself a new look.  Although my hair white now, I thought I would get a color at the drug store and make it a more youthful color.  Wrong! I didn’t leave the color on as long as they suggested, however when all was said and done I had dark blue hair.  I thought I would just go with the flow and try to act like it was a perfectly normal color me.  You know just rock the look! However, my beautiful granddaughter brought me back down to earth when she suggested I add hot pink hairpieces. I think not!

I am 50 + and loving it and my mind has not left me yet, thank goodness.   I read a quote the other day that said,” I would rather be a vivacious, confident, and a young at heart 70 years old, then an old 40-year-old.

I thought it was a funny quote until I started remembering when I was 40.  Do you remember your 40’s?  I was the ranch gopher, cook, mother of 3 teenager daughters, rancher’s wife, hostess, tour guide, chauffeur, and entertainment committee all in one.  I never seemed to have enough sleep. My theme song during those days was the Garth Brooks, song, “I’m too young to feel this damn old.” Do you feel like that?

I love the way God is faithful to his promises through all generations. I have relied on them, held tight to them and believed them, all these years. I know they can be trusted because God himself is trustworthy and faithful.©

Isaiah 40: 29-31 NLT

He gives power to the weak
    and strength to the powerless.
 Even youths will become weak and tired,
    and young men will fall in exhaustion.
 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
    They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
    They will walk and not faint.

God gave me the privilege of raising our three wonderful daughters. Then He gave me the courage to let them fly the nest, and become the special women that God planned for them to be. I am eternally thankful for His promises that have sustained me all these years.

Thank you, dear friends, for spending your time with me. I love you all and am praying for you this week. 
HUGS,
Lovingly, Karan

No One Diets on Thanksgiving

 

“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

Grandparents, Can We Live Without Them?

Grandparents, Can We Live Without Them?

One child wrote the following school paper:

We always used to spend the holidays with grandma and grandpa. They used to live here in a big, brick house, but Grandpa got retarded, and they moved to Florida. Now they live in a place with a lot of other retarded people.

They live in a tin box and have rocks painted green to look like grass. They ride around on big tricycles and wear name tags because they don’t know who they are anymore.

They go to a building called a wrecked center, but they must have got it fixed because it is all right now. They play games and do exercises there, but they don’t do them very well.

There is a swimming pool too, but they all jump up and down in it with their hats on. I guess they don’t know how to swim.
At their gate, there is a dollhouse with a little old man sitting in it. He watches all day so nobody can escape. Sometimes they sneak out. Then they go cruising in their golf carts.

My grandma used to bake cookies and stuff, but I guess she forgot how. Nobody there cooks, they just eat out. And they eat the same thing every night: Early Birds.

Some of the people can’t get past the man in the dollhouse to go out, so the ones who get out bring food back to the wrecked center and call it pot luck.

My Grandma says Grandpa worked all his life to earn his retardment and says I should work hard so I can be retarded one day, too. When I earn my retardment, I want to be the man in the doll house. Then I will let people out so they can visit their grandchildren. Author unknown 

 

 

 

 

 

Reflections: Can’t Live Without Them!

My daughters loved their grandmothers and learned many incredible life lessons from them.

Grandma Frances was from California, who was funny, curious and as they said in ‘Star Wars” “To Boldly Go Where No One Has Gone Before.” Grandma always brought fun adventures!

She was eccentrically independent with a generous heart and loved a good deal, so thrift stores, Salvation Army, garage sales and flea markets were thrilling when she found the perfect bargain.

She always saw beauty in everything and especially loved the times she spent with her granddaughters in San Diego when they were visiting. Sandy beaches, seashells, sea world and Mexican food.

Even now, I miss her laughter, her friendly smile, and beautiful green eyes. I admired her strength and accomplishments against insurmountable odds. Mother often said, “With God nothing is impossible.”

We knew mother, and grandma loved us and loved God too. She trusted Him, leaned on Him, and believed His promises would keep her through the ups and downs of life. She taught us every day about God’s grace, forgiveness, and love. Through her life, we could see how God faithfully protected and cared for each of us.

Grandma Gleddie lived close by, in fact, she lived in the same yard. Every day after school My daughters 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 private time to have Grandma all to themselves.

I remember the joy on their faces as they came home telling me they had beat their Grandmother in their chosen game today. Such confidence and happiness, although I am sure that she allowed them to win much more, then they lost.

I always admired her gentle ways, her willingness to love and teach her granddaughters how to bake and enjoy recipes as they hunted for something new to try and sample.

She was a beautiful pianist, organist, and singer. And her gift passed on to her granddaughters. They would go over to her house and quietly enjoy their private concerts and singing.

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

The cherished gifts these two different grandmothers gave their grandchildren gave them a lifetime of wonderful memories that are worth more than silver and gold. My daughters are blessed. ©

Proverbs 17:6 The Message

Old people are distinguished by grandchildren;
    children take pride in their parents.

Thank you for sharing your time with me dear reader, I pray that you have gotten a giggle and a blessing at the same time. Hugs
Lovingly, Karan